A 4-year-old boy’s parents report that about an hour after he falls asleep, he sits up in bed screaming with his eyes open and appears terrified. He is tachycardic, diaphoretic, and unresponsive to their attempts to comfort him. The next morning, he has no memory of the event. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A 3-year-old is referred for evaluation. Parents report he was developing normally but has recently lost several words he used to say and seems less socially interactive. He continues to meet motor milestones appropriately. Which pattern of development does this history suggest?
During a 9-month well-child visit, a pediatrician observes an infant who can sit unsupported and pivot, babbles multisyllabic sounds like “ba-da-ma,” and enjoys peek-a-boo. However, the infant does not yet pull to stand or use a pincer grasp. What cognitive milestone is most closely associated with the infant’s enjoyment of peek-a-boo at this age?
A 6-year-old obese girl with loud nightly snoring undergoes polysomnography, which confirms moderate obstructive sleep apnea (AHI=8). Physical exam shows 3+ tonsils. Adenotonsillectomy is performed. What is the most appropriate next step in his management?
A pregnant woman is in a car accident at 22 weeks gestation and experiences significant transient hypoxemia. The fetus survives. The pediatrician counseling the family explains that the central nervous system is particularly vulnerable at this stage. What specific process of CNS development is most active and vulnerable during this period of gestation?
A two-year-old child is brought in with concerns about refusal to nap. What is the most likely explanation, according to developmental theories?
A pediatrician is counseling parents of a 2-year-old about the importance of a stimulating environment. The parents ask why early childhood is considered such a critical period for learning and development. What neurobiological process is most characteristic of brain development during this period that underlies its plasticity?
A pediatrician is explaining temperament to new parents. Which of the following is a key aspect of temperament?
An 8-year-old girl is evaluated for short stature. Her height is below the 3rd percentile. On examination, her upper-to-lower body segment ratio (U/L ratio) is calculated to be 1.2. Her arm span is significantly less than her height. This pattern of disproportionate growth, with a high U/L ratio, is most characteristic of which condition?
A 7-year-old child’s parents report he seems to understand things logically. When they roll a ball of clay into a long “snake,” he correctly states it’s the same amount of clay “because you just changed the shape.” This child’s reasoning demonstrates a shift into which of Piaget’s cognitive stages?
