NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST)?

1. To identify gifted children

2. To assess intelligence

3. To chart normal progress in children aged 1 month to 6 years

4. To evaluate physical development in preschoolers

The correct answer is: To chart normal progress in children aged 1 month to 6 years

The Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) is primarily designed to chart normal progress in children aged 1 month to 6 years by assessing their developmental milestones across various domains, including personal-social, fine motor-adaptive, language, and gross motor skills. This tool is valuable for identifying children who may be at risk for developmental delays and ensuring they receive appropriate interventions early on. By comparing a child's development to established norms, the DDST helps caregivers and healthcare providers monitor growth effectively, helping to support optimal developmental outcomes. While identifying gifted children, assessing intelligence, or evaluating physical development are important aspects of child development, these goals do not encompass the primary purpose of the DDST. The test is not meant to gauge intelligence or predetermine giftedness, nor does it solely focus on physical health; rather, it takes a holistic approach to capture a broad spectrum of developmental competencies.