FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

If a 16-month-old is noted to be using a spoon to eat, which aspect of development is being assessed?

1. Social skills

2. Fine motor skills

3. Gross motor skills

4. Language skills

The correct answer is: Fine motor skills

The use of a spoon by a 16-month-old primarily reflects the development of fine motor skills. Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in movements, particularly those of the hands and fingers. At this age, children are expected to develop increasing dexterity, which encompasses activities like grasping, holding utensils, and manipulating small objects. This particular milestone of using a spoon signifies progress in hand-eye coordination as well as the ability to control hand movements, which are key components of fine motor skill development. The ability to eat independently with utensils like a spoon illustrates not only improved motor control but also an understanding of how to perform tasks that require precision. Other areas of development, such as gross motor skills, involve larger movements such as walking or running, and language skills pertain to the ability to communicate and understand verbal cues. Social skills involve interactions with others and developing relationships, which would not be directly indicated by the act of using a spoon. Thus, the use of a spoon indicates fine motor development specifically.