How should the nurse assess a child's developmental progress?

Utilizing standardized developmental screening tools is essential in assessing a child's developmental progress because these tools are specifically designed to evaluate various areas of development, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Standardized tools provide a structured method of assessment that can quantify a child's abilities in comparison to established developmental milestones. This allows healthcare professionals to identify any areas in which a child may be lagging behind their peers and ensures a comprehensive evaluation, leading to timely interventions if necessary.

In contrast, relying solely on visual assessments, inquiring only about social interactions, or observing only physical skills would provide an incomplete picture of a child's overall development. Each of these approaches lacks the systematic and objective measures that standardized tools offer, which may result in missed developmental challenges that could impact the child's overall well-being.