The home health nurse is planning care for a 3-year-old boy who has Down syndrome and is receiving continuous oxygen. He recently began walking around furniture. He is spoon-fed by his parents and eats some finger foods. Which is the most appropriate goal to promote normal development?

A) Encourage mobility.
B) Encourage assistance in self-care.
C) Promote oral-motor development.
D) Provide opportunities for socialization.

A major principle for developmental support in children with complex medical issues is that it should be flexible and tailored to the individual child's abilities, interests, and needs. This child is exhibiting readiness for ambulation. It is an appropriate time to provide activities that encourage mobility, for example, longer oxygen tubing. Parents should provide decreasing amounts of assistance with self-care as he is able to develop these skills. He is receiving oral foods and is eating finger foods. He has acquired oral-motor development. Mobility is a new developmental task. Opportunities for socialization should be ongoing.