Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

During a child's assessment, how might a nurse evaluate gross motor coordination?

1. Asking the child to write their name

2. Asking the child to hop on one foot

3. Asking the child to draw a picture

4. Asking the child to balance on one leg

The correct answer is: Asking the child to hop on one foot

Evaluating gross motor coordination involves observing a child's ability to use large muscle groups to perform movements that require strength, balance, and coordination. Hopping on one foot is a clear and effective way to assess these skills, as it requires balance and control of the body's movements while engaging large muscles in the legs. This activity demonstrates the child's ability to maintain stability and coordination over one leg while executing a specific motion. It is developmentally appropriate for various age groups and offers insight into the child's physical development. The other activities listed focus on different skill sets. Writing a name primarily assesses fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, drawing a picture also falls under fine motor development, and balancing on one leg, while related to gross motor skills, can be more focused on static balance rather than the dynamic movement that hopping entails. Thus, hopping on one foot specifically highlights gross motor coordination in a more comprehensive way.