The mother of a 5-month-old infant calls the pediatric clinic to report tremors in the infant's extremities and chin. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. Reassure the mother that these tremors are a normal part of the infant's development.
2. Give the mother the first available appointment to see the health care provider.
3. Contact the health care provider to see if an electroencephalogram (EEG) should be ordered.
4. Ask the mother to keep a diary of the tremors and schedule an appointment for next week.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1

Tremors of the extremities or chin of an infant are normal and reflect immature myelinization. This will disappear by 1 year of age as the nervous system continues to develop and myelinization of the efferent pathways matures. It is not necessary for the infant to be seen on an urgent basis; this is a normal phase of development. It is not necessary to consult the health care provider to discuss possible EEG as this is not indicative of seizure activity, but rather the result of an immature but normal nervous system. It is not necessary for the mother to record these tremors or see the health care provider since this is normal for a child of this age.