Risk for delayed infant motor development

NANDA Nursing Diagnose - Risk for delayed infant motor development

Code: 00316
Domain: Domain 13 - Growth - development
Class: Class 2 - Development
Status: Current diagnoses

The NANDA-I diagnosis 'Risk for delayed infant motor development' underscores a critical aspect of pediatric nursing practice, highlighting the essential role of early identification and intervention in promoting healthy developmental outcomes for infants. Given the delicate and formative nature of the first year of life, understanding this diagnosis is vital for nurses and caregivers alike, who are tasked with nurturing a child's physical and cognitive abilities. Failing to recognize the risk factors associated with delayed motor development can lead to long-term consequences, affecting a child's overall growth trajectory and quality of life.

This post aims to explore the NANDA-I diagnosis 'Risk for delayed infant motor development' in depth, elucidating its definition while examining the various risk factors that can impact an infant's movement and sensory skills. Key discussions will cover the specific challenges that infants may face, the role of caregivers in fostering supportive environments, and the demographics most at risk. Through this thorough examination, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to identify and address the concerns related to motor development in infants, equipping them with the knowledge to support their growth effectively.

Definition of the NANDA-I Diagnosis

The diagnosis of 'Risk for delayed infant motor development' refers to a state of heightened vulnerability in infants aged between 29 days to one year, characterized by potential challenges in reaching age-appropriate motor milestones essential for developing strength, coordination, and spatial awareness. This risk is particularly salient when factors such as sensory processing difficulties, lack of curiosity and initiative, or insufficient perseverance are present in the infant. Moreover, caregiver-related elements can significantly influence this risk, including anxiety regarding infant care, depressive symptoms during the postpartum period, or insufficiently stimulating environments that fail to encourage exploration and physical interaction with toys and peers. Such conditions may result in limitations in gross and fine motor skills, ultimately leading to a delay in the infant's ability to engage with their surroundings effectively. Identifying infants with these risk factors, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, large families, or those with suboptimal prenatal conditions, allows for timely and appropriate interventions to foster motor development through play, caregiver education, and enrichment activities, thereby supporting the child's overall developmental trajectory.

Defining Characteristics of the NANDA-I Diagnosis

The NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" is identified by its defining characteristics. These are explained below:

Dificultad con el procesamiento sensorial
Los infantes con dificultad en el procesamiento sensorial tienen problemas para interpretar y responder a estímulos del entorno, lo que puede limitar su interacción y exploración. Esta incapacidad puede evidenciarse a través de respuestas atípicas, como una reacción exagerada a ruidos fuertes o la falta de interés en juguetes que estimulan los sentidos. Dichas dificultades pueden interferir con el desarrollo motor, ya que los infantes dependen de la información sensorial para guiar sus movimientos y coordinar su cuerpo. Observaciones clínicas pueden incluir el uso de herramientas de evaluación del desarrollo, donde se registran las respuestas de los infantes a diferentes estímulos sensoriales. Una evaluación deficiente en esta área podría ser indicativa de un riesgo elevado para el retraso en el desarrollo motor, ya que la integración sensorial es clave para la planificación del movimiento y habilidades motoras expansivas.
Curiosidad inadecuada
La curiosidad inadecuada se manifiesta en la falta del deseo de explorar nuevos entornos o experimentar con objetos. Este rasgo puede reflejar la falta de estímulos en el ambiente o problemas emocionales que inhiben la exploración activa. Un infante con baja curiosidad puede presentar un juego poco creativo y puede no intentar alcanzar o agarrar objetos cerca de él, lo cual son comportamientos clave en el desarrollo motor. Clínicamente, se puede observar esta característica mediante la observación directa y la evaluación del compromiso del infante con su entorno. Si no hay un interés inherente por el entorno, se reduce la oportunidad de practicar habilidades motoras, como el gateo o la manipulación de juguetes, lo que aumenta el riesgo de retraso motor.
Iniciativa inadecuada
La iniciativa inadecuada se refiere a la falta de motivación para comenzar actividades físicas o de juego, un componente crítico para el desarrollo de la motricidad. Este aspecto puede verse reflejado en la renuencia del infante a moverse, a explorar nuevas posiciones o a interactuar con otros niños. Clínicamente, esto podría ser indicativo de factores ambientales como la falta de estimulación adecuada, o puede relacionarse con condiciones neurológicas que dificultan la motricidad. Evaluar la iniciativa puede lograrse mediante la observación del infante en entornos de juego, donde un bajo nivel de iniciativa podría evidenciar un alto riesgo para el retraso en el desarrollo motor, ya que la falta de participación activa impide el desarrollo de habilidades motoras esenciales.
Persistencia inadecuada
La falta de persistencia se observa cuando un infante no demuestra tenacidad al intentar completar tareas motrices. Un infante que se frustra fácilmente y abandona actividades de juego es menos propenso a practicar habilidades importantes, como la locomoción o la manipulación de objetos. Este comportamiento puede ser un signo de dificultades emocionales o limitaciones cognitivas que impiden la continuidad del esfuerzo. En el contexto clínico, se pueden utilizar ejercicios de motor fino y grueso para evaluar la persistencia del infante. Si se observa que el infante no intenta repetidamente completar tareas motrices simples, esto puede sugerir un riesgo significativo para el desarrollo motor, ya que la práctica sostenida es vital para mejorar las habilidades motrices y lograr hitos de desarrollo.

Risk Factors for the NANDA-I Diagnosis

Identifying the risk factors for "Risk for delayed infant motor development" is key for prevention. These are explained below:

Infant Factors
- Dificultad con el procesamiento sensorial: Infants who struggle with sensory processing may find it difficult to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli. This can lead to challenges in understanding their surroundings, impacting their ability to engage in active exploration. The inability to process sensory information can delay motor milestones since infants rely on sensory inputs to guide their movements and interactions. Early intervention and supportive environments are crucial for fostering sensory skills and promoting motor development.
- Curiosidad inadecuada: Insufficient curiosity in infants can hinder their desire to explore their environment. This lack of exploration can significantly impact learning through play, which is essential for developing critical motor skills. When infants are not curious, they may miss out on opportunities to practice movements, manipulate objects, and develop coordination, thereby setting the stage for delayed motor development.
- Iniciativa inadecuada: A deficiency in initiative can result in limited physical activity, crucial for motor development. Infants need to practice movements such as rolling, crawling, and reaching to build muscle strength and coordination. Without the motivation to engage actively, these essential practices may be neglected, leading to delayed motor milestones.
- Persistencia inadecuada: Infants who do not demonstrate sufficient persistence in completing motor tasks may limit their emerging skills. For instance, if an infant shows frustration and gives up easily when attempting to reach for a toy, they may not develop the necessary strength and coordination to succeed later. Encouraging perseverance and providing opportunities to practice can foster resilience and support motor development.
Caregiver Factors
- Ansiedad sobre el cuidado del infante: Caregivers with anxiety regarding infant care may resort to overprotective behaviors, limiting the infant's opportunities to explore. This overprotection can inhibit the infant's independence and confidence, which are necessary for developing motor skills as they learn to navigate their environment. Providing caregivers with education and resources to manage their anxiety can help promote a more supportive environment for infant exploration.
- Síntomas depresivos posparto del progenitor biológico: Postpartum depressive symptoms can negatively impact caregiver-infant interactions, leading to diminished support for the infant's developmental needs. A caregiver who is emotionally unavailable may not engage in activities that encourage motor skills, such as play or physical interaction, ultimately delaying the infant's motor development. Interventions to support maternal mental health are essential in fostering positive developmental outcomes for infants.
- Llevar al infante en brazos por tiempo excesivo: Excessive carrying can limit the infant's opportunities to move freely and explore their environment. When caregivers do not allow infants to practice movements independently, such as crawling or reaching, it can stunt motor development. Encouraging floor time and supervised exploration can promote the development of critical motor skills.
- No permite que el infante elija juguetes: When caregivers choose toys for infants rather than allowing them to select their own, it limits the child's autonomy and variety of experiences. Self-chosen play is vital for encouraging exploration and the practice of fine and gross motor skills. Providing a range of developmentally appropriate toys and allowing infants to express preferences can enhance motor skill acquisition.
- No fomenta que el infante agarre: Not encouraging the infant to grasp items can delay the development of fine motor skills. Infants need opportunities to practice grasping to strengthen their hand muscles and develop coordination. It is important for caregivers to provide items that promote grasping and to engage infants in activities that require hand movements.
- No fomenta que el infante alcance: Lack of encouragement to reach can inhibit the development of coordination and motor skills. Reaching is an essential movement that helps infants develop shoulder and arm strength. Caregivers should present toys slightly out of reach to motivate infants to reach and practice these critical movements.
- No fomenta suficiente juego con otros niños: Limited opportunities for play with peers restricts social and motor skill development. Social play encourages the practice of various physical skills, including running, jumping, and cooperative game interactions. Caregivers should promote social engagement, as this interaction is integral to fostering both motor and social skills.
- No involucra al infante en juegos sobre partes del cuerpo: Failing to engage infants in activities that teach them about their body can limit body awareness and motor development. Understanding body parts aids in the coordination of movements and is crucial for proficient motor skills. Caregivers should incorporate educational play that teaches body awareness to support development.
- No proporciona juguetes de motricidad fina para el infante: Absence of fine motor toys delays the development of essential skills like gripping and manipulating objects. Toys that challenge an infant’s dexterity are crucial for developing precise movements. Caregivers should select age-appropriate toys that stimulate fine motor activity.
- No proporciona juguetes de motricidad gruesa para el infante: Not providing opportunities for gross motor play can hinder muscle strength and coordination necessary for larger movements. Toys like balls and push toys encourage physical activity, which is vital for motor development. Caregivers should ensure that physical play is part of the infant's daily routine.
- No enseña palabras de movimiento: Caregivers who do not use movement-related vocabulary miss the opportunity to strengthen the child's connection between language and action. This connection is essential for cognitive and motor integration. Teaching movement words during play can enhance understanding and motivate physical activity.
- Tiempo inadecuado entre períodos de estimulación del infante: Insufficient stimulating activities can impede healthy development. Infants need a balance of stimulation and rest to process new movements and sensations. Caregivers should ensure adequate timing for stimulation to foster appropriate developmental progress.
- Limita las experiencias del infante en posición prono: Limiting tummy time curtails the strengthening of neck and upper body muscles, which are necessary for later motor skills such as sitting and crawling. Caregivers should prioritize tummy time within the daily routine to support musculoskeletal development.
- Opinión negativa sobre el temperamento del infante: A caregiver's negative perception of an infant's temperament can adversely affect the quality of care and interaction provided. This negative bias can influence the caregiver's responsiveness and engagement in developmental activities, ultimately delaying the infant’s motor skills. Interventions to enhance caregiver perception and understanding can improve interactions and support motor development.
- Sobrestimulación del infante: Overstimulation can lead to distress and disengagement in learning, which are detrimental to motor development. Caregivers should be mindful of the infant's cues and provide a nurturing environment that balances stimulation with comfort to promote healthy developmental progression.
- Percepción de incompetencia en el cuidado del infante: Caregivers who feel incompetent in their caregiving abilities may withdraw from actively participating in the infant's play. This withdrawal can limit the time spent engaging in stimulating activities that support motor development. Confidence-building interventions, education, and support can empower caregivers to engage more fully with their infants.

At-Risk Population for the NANDA-I Diagnosis

Certain groups are more susceptible to "Risk for delayed infant motor development". These are explained below:

Socioeconomic Factors
- Infants born into economically disadvantaged families: These families often lack access to necessary resources that promote early motor stimulation and development, such as educational toys, safe play environments, and healthcare services. Economic hardships can lead to increased stress levels among parents, which can affect their ability to engage in nurturing activities that foster infant motor skills.
- Infants born into large families: In families with multiple children, the quantity of attention and supervision each child receives may diminish, leading to less individual stimulation. This lack of one-on-one interaction can hinder an infant's opportunities to explore their physical abilities and encounter new experiences essential for motor development.
- Infants whose parents have low education levels: Limited educational backgrounds may result in gaps in knowledge regarding normal developmental milestones and appropriate stimulation practices. Parents may not recognize the importance of activities that encourage motor development or lack the skills needed to effectively facilitate these activities.
Health and Medical Factors
- Infants in intensive care units: These infants often face disruptions in routine interactions due to medical interventions. The critical nature of their initial care can limit exposure to play and movement, which are vital for motor skills development. Additionally, the stress of being in a medical environment can inhibit natural exploration and curiosity.
- Infants with a 5-minute Apgar score of 7: A score near the lower end of the Apgar scale may indicate potential issues that can affect immediate and long-term motor development. Such infants are at higher risk for conditions that can delay motor milestones, necessitating close monitoring and support.
- Infants with low birth weight: Low-weight infants are often at greater risk for a variety of developmental challenges, including delays in motor skills. Biological immaturity can lead to neurological and physical challenges that affect their ability to develop and engage in motor-focused activities.
- Premature infants: Premature birth can lead to insufficient maturity of motor control and physical coordination, which are critical for development. These infants may require targeted intervention and support to catch up with peers and develop necessary motor skills effectively.
- Infants whose biological parent had anemia during pregnancy: Maternal anemia can impact fetal oxygen and nutrient supply, which is critical for normal brain and muscle development. As a result, infants may experience delays in muscle tone and coordination required for motor skills.
- Infants whose biological parent experienced mental health disorders: Parental mental health issues can affect the emotional and environmental support necessary for healthy infant development. Parents struggling with mental health may find it challenging to provide engaging, stimulating interactions that promote motor skills.
- Infants whose biological parent had obesity prior to pregnancy: Maternal obesity can contribute to gestational complications and developmental issues for the infant, including potential delays in meeting motor benchmarks. The underlying metabolic and hormonal changes can affect fetal development and subsequent motor skills.
Environmental Factors
- Infants living in inadequate space: Limited physical space can restrict an infant's ability to move, explore, and engage in play, all of which are necessary for developing motor skills. A cluttered or unsafe environment may inhibit freedom of movement, further contributing to delays.
- Infants of parents with inadequate antenatal diets: Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy can lead to underdeveloped physical and cognitive capabilities in infants, which are critical for motor skill acquisition. A lack of essential nutrients can impact brain development and muscle health, resulting in delayed motor milestones.

Associated Conditions for the NANDA-I Diagnosis

The diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" can coexist with other conditions. These are explained below:

Pharmaceutical Preparations in Antenatal Care
- Certain medications administered during pregnancy may have teratogenic effects or negative side effects that can impair the developing motor systems of the fetus. For instance, substances such as anticonvulsants or certain antidepressants can alter neurological development, leading to an increased risk of motor delays postnatally. Understanding the impact of maternal medication use allows healthcare providers to monitor infants more closely for potential developmental issues, reinforcing the importance of thorough medication history taking during prenatal visits.
Complex Medical Conditions
- Infants born to mothers with complex medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may face increased risks of delayed motor development. These conditions can affect fetal growth and neurological function, leading to complications during infancy. Early identification and intervention are essential for better developmental outcomes. Establishing a comprehensive plan for monitoring and facilitating growth and development in these infants can help mitigate risks associated with underlying maternal health issues.
Growth Failure
- Failure to thrive, characterized by inadequate weight gain or growth, can have significant implications on an infant’s overall development, including motor skills. Nutritional deficiencies can result in impaired muscle development and coordination. Recognizing and addressing growth issues promptly is crucial, as proper nutrition and growth support are foundational for motor development. Infants experiencing growth failure should be monitored regularly, and nutritional strategies should be implemented to support their developmental milestones.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Infants exposed to drugs in utero and experiencing NAS often show withdrawal symptoms that can adversely affect their motor development. These infants may struggle with irritability, poor feeding, and altered neurological function, leading to delays in reaching motor milestones. Early recognition of NAS and appropriate therapeutic interventions can facilitate better outcomes in motor development, emphasizing the necessity for specialized care and monitoring.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Various neurodevelopmental disorders, including cerebral palsy and genetic syndromes, are directly correlated with delays in motor skills. The severity and nature of these disorders can significantly affect the infant's motor abilities. Understanding the specifics of these disorders is critical for developing an individualized care plan that incorporates therapies aimed at enhancing motor skills and overall development.
Postnatal Infections in Premature Infants
- Premature infants are particularly susceptible to infections that can impede their development. Conditions like sepsis can lead to systemic inflammation and neurological damage, ultimately affecting motor skills. Active monitoring for signs of infection and immediate treatment are integral components of care for these vulnerable infants, helping to prevent complications that may arise.
Sensory Processing Disorders
- Infants with sensory processing issues may find it challenging to interact with their environment effectively. This can result in delays in motor development as they struggle to integrate sensory input necessary for coordinated movements. Early referral to occupational therapy may be beneficial in these cases, ensuring infants receive the support they need to develop motor skills and sensory integration effectively.

NOC Objectives / Expected Outcomes

For the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development", the following expected outcomes (NOC) are proposed to guide the evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions. These objectives focus on improving the patient's status in relation to the manifestations and etiological factors of the diagnosis:

Gross Motor Development
This outcome is relevant as it directly measures the infant's ability to engage in gross motor activities such as rolling over, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Achieving expected levels of gross motor development indicates that the infant is on track for normal physical development, thereby reducing the risk of delayed motor skills.
Fine Motor Development
Similar to gross motor skills, fine motor development assesses the infant's ability to use smaller muscles for tasks like grasping and manipulating objects. This outcome is important because it contributes to overall developmental milestones, and improving fine motor skills ensures the child is equipped for learning and interacting with their environment effectively.
Movement Patterns
This outcome focuses on the infant's ability to demonstrate appropriate movement patterns, which are critical for coordination and balance. Monitoring and improving movement patterns can help identify impairments early, ensuring timely interventions that can prevent further delays in motor development.
Parent-Infant Interaction
This outcome evaluates the quality and frequency of interactions between the parent and the infant during play and routine activities. Enhancing parent-infant interactions can facilitate motor skill development by providing opportunities for the infant to explore movement within a nurturing environment, thus fostering secure attachment and developmental progress.

NIC Interventions / Nursing Care Plan

To address the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" and achieve the proposed NOC objectives, the following nursing interventions (NIC) are suggested. These interventions are designed to treat the etiological factors and manifestations of the diagnosis:

Motor Development Monitoring
This intervention involves systematic observation and assessment of the infant's motor skills and milestones. Regular monitoring helps identify any delays early, allowing for timely interventions and parental education to foster an environment conducive to motor development.
Developmental Activities Promotion
Engaging the infant in age-appropriate activities that stimulate motor skills, such as tummy time, reaching for toys, and crawling, is crucial. This intervention encourages active participation and exploration, facilitating the development of coordination and strength, essential for motor milestones.
Parental Education
Providing education to parents about the importance of sensory play and physical interaction is vital. Educating caregivers on how to promote motor skill development through play enhances their confidence and effectiveness in supporting their infant's growth and development.
Environmental Modification
Assessing and modifying the infant's environment to remove hazards and create safe spaces for movement can greatly benefit motor development. Ensuring that the area is conducive for exploration allows infants to practice their skills without risk, promoting confidence and physical growth.
Referral to Occupational Therapy
If monitoring indicates significant concerns regarding motor development, referring the infant to an occupational therapist can provide specialized interventions. This collaboration can yield targeted strategies and therapies to bolster motor skill enhancement and overall development tailored to the infant’s needs.

Detailed Nursing Activities

The NIC interventions for the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" are composed of specific activities that nursing staff carry out to provide effective care. Below, examples of activities for the key identified interventions are detailed:

For the NIC Intervention: Motor Development Monitoring

Conduct regular assessments of the infant's motor milestones, documenting progress according to established age-appropriate developmental checklists to track any delays early.
Observe the infant during playtime to evaluate their ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate objects, which helps identify strengths and areas needing support.
Engage parents in discussions about observed motor skills during visits, enabling a collaborative approach to tracking and promoting their child's development.

For the NIC Intervention: Developmental Activities Promotion

Implement structured tummy time sessions to assist in strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, which are essential for later motor milestones such as crawling.
Provide a variety of safe, age-appropriate toys that encourage reaching and grasping skills, fostering active engagement and coordination.
Facilitate activities that involve crawling and exploring, which enhance gross motor skills and build confidence in movement.

For the NIC Intervention: Parental Education

Conduct workshops on the importance of sensory play, demonstrating activities parents can do with their infants to stimulate motor development.
Supply resources such as pamphlets or access to online videos that illustrate developmental activities and appropriate interaction techniques for parents.
Encourage questions and discussions with parents about their observations of the infant's motor skills to foster a supportive learning environment for both the caregiver and the infant.

Practical Tips and Advice

To more effectively manage the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" and improve well-being, the following suggestions and tips are offered for patients and their families:

Encourage Tummy Time

Tummy time helps strengthen your infant’s neck, shoulders, and back, which are crucial for motor skills. Start with short sessions (3-5 minutes) a few times a day and gradually increase as your baby gets stronger and more comfortable.
Create a Safe Play Space

Establish a safe area where your infant can explore and play. Use soft mats and remove sharp objects to encourage movement and crawling. A designated space allows your baby to practice rolling and crawling in a secure environment.
Engage in Interactive Play

Use toys that promote reaching and grasping, such as rattles or soft blocks. Sit on the floor with your baby and encourage them to reach for toys. This interaction not only boosts motor skills but also strengthens the bond between you and your child.
Attend Regular Pediatric Check-Ups

Regular visits to your pediatrician are essential to monitor your infant's development. These check-ups allow for early identification of any concerns and provide guidance on developmental milestones and interventions.
Provide Opportunities for Sitting Up

Help your infant learn to sit by providing support. Use cushions to prop them up or sit them in a high chair for meals. Careful assistance during this stage helps build core strength necessary for future mobility.
Limit Time in Gear

Avoid excessive use of infant seats, bouncers, and other equipment that restrict movement. Limit these to short periods, encouraging free exploration and movement instead. Unrestricted movement promotes natural muscle development.
Be Patient and Celebrate Small Milestones

Each baby develops at their own pace. Recognize and celebrate progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages your infant to keep trying new movements.

Practical Example / Illustrative Case Study

To illustrate how the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development" is applied in clinical practice and how it is addressed, let's consider the following case:

Patient Presentation and Clinical Context

A 6-month-old female infant, named Emma, is brought into the pediatric clinic by her mother for a routine wellness check. Emma was born at 28 weeks gestation, experiencing a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for two months. Her mother expresses concerns about Emma's limited arm and leg movements compared to other infants her age.

Nursing Assessment

During the assessment, the following significant data were collected:

Key Subjective Datum: Mother reports that Emma rarely kicks her legs or reaches out for toys, showing less engagement with her environment than expected.
Key Objective Datum: Physical examination reveals that Emma exhibits limited gross motor skills for her age, with difficulty in maintaining a supine position without support.
Key Objective Datum: Developmental screening indicates Emma is not meeting expected milestones, such as rolling over or sitting with support.
Key Objective Datum: Observations show decreased muscle tone (hypotonia) during physical examination.

Analysis and Formulation of the NANDA-I Nursing Diagnosis

The analysis of the assessment data leads to the identification of the following nursing diagnosis: Risk for delayed infant motor development. This conclusion is based on Emma's prematurity, limited motor activity, hypotonia, and failure to meet developmental milestones, which are significant risk factors for delayed motor development.

Proposed Care Plan (Key Objectives and Interventions)

The care plan will focus on addressing the "Risk for delayed infant motor development" diagnosis with the following priority elements:

Objectives (Suggested NOCs)

Demonstration of improved gross motor skills by the next wellness visit.
Engagement in age-appropriate physical activities to promote motor development.

Interventions (Suggested NICs)

Developmental Support:
- Encourage the mother to engage Emma in tummy time daily to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
- Provide guidance on age-appropriate toys that stimulate reaching and grasping movements.
Coordination with Physical Therapy:
- Refer Emma for an evaluation by a pediatric physical therapist to develop a tailored motor skill improvement program.

Progress and Expected Outcomes

With the implementation of the proposed interventions, it is expected that Emma will show noticeable improvements in her gross motor skills, such as increased ability to kick her legs, roll over, and reach for toys. Continuous monitoring will allow evaluation of the plan's effectiveness, thereby reducing the risks associated with delayed motor development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the NANDA-I diagnosis "Risk for delayed infant motor development":

What does 'Risk for delayed infant motor development' mean?

This diagnosis indicates that an infant may be at increased risk for not meeting typical motor milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or walking, potentially due to various factors like medical conditions or environmental influences.

What factors can contribute to this risk?

Factors may include low birth weight, prematurity, neurological disorders, lack of access to stimulating environments, or limited physical interaction and movement opportunities.

How can I support my infant's motor development?

You can encourage motor development by providing tummy time, engaging in play that promotes reaching and grasping, creating safe spaces for movement, and ensuring regular healthcare check-ups for early identification of any issues.

How is this risk assessed by healthcare providers?

Healthcare providers assess this risk through developmental screenings, monitoring motor skills during well-child visits, and reviewing the infant's medical history and environmental factors that may affect development.

What should I do if I’m concerned about my infant's motor development?

If you have concerns, it's important to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance, recommend interventions, and refer you to specialists if necessary.