Final answer:
Asking about the age of a child's first independent steps is significant in assessing developmental milestones part of the child's past history, providing insight into their growth and potential needs for intervention if delays are noticed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the nurse asks about the age of walking without assistance during an interview with the mother of a 3-year-old child, this type of question should be considered an important part of the child's past history. Walking without assistance is a developmental milestone that is typically expected to be reached by the age of 12 months, but there is a range of normal variation. Assessing the child's developmental history is crucial for identifying any potential delays or concerns regarding the child's growth and development. Further, knowing a child’s developmental milestones helps in comparing them with normative events to determine if they are achieving skills as expected. If a child is showing delays in reaching multiple milestones, it might be a reason for concern and may prompt further evaluation or intervention.