A 12-month-old does not yet walk independently but is cruising along furniture, stands briefly alone, and uses a pincer grasp to pick up small pellets. He says 'mama' and 'dada' with meaning and waves bye-bye. Based on developmental assessment, which domain is MOST delayed and warrants the most urgent evaluation?

• A Fine motor — pincer grasp is not expected until 15 months
• B Language — 2 meaningful words by 12 months is expected; no delay present
• C Social/adaptive — waving bye-bye is a 9-month milestone; this child is delayed
• D Gross motor — cruising is normal; independent walking expected by 12-15 months ✓

Explanation

At 12 months, independent walking is not yet required — the expected milestone is walking with one hand held or cruising; independent walking typically emerges at 12-15 months (median 12 months). Cruising along furniture at 12 months is entirely appropriate — no urgent evaluation for gross motor. Pincer grasp (inferior: 9 months; neat: 10-12 months) is present and normal. Two meaningful words by 12 months is within the expected language range. Waving bye-bye is a 9-10 month social milestone and is appropriately present here. None of the domains described represents a delay, confirming this child's development is on track — the question tests whether the examiner selects the answer correctly recognizing all milestones are appropriate.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.