At a well-child visit, a pediatrician tests fine motor milestones by placing a small pellet in front of the infant. The ability to pick up a pellet with the tips of the thumb and index finger (pincer grasp) is expected at:
- A 4 months
- B 6 months
- C 9 months ✓
- D 15 months
Correct answer: C. 9 months
Explanation
The pincer grasp develops around 9 months, initially as an immature radial digital grasp using the thumb and index finger pad, maturing into a neat fingertip pincer by 12 months. At 6 months the infant uses a palmar or raking grasp, transferring objects from hand to hand. At 4 months the infant reaches with both hands and holds objects briefly. Fifteen months corresponds to voluntary release and tower building skills.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.