Health Promotion and Maintenance
25. During the examination of a newborn infant, an RN suspects congenital dislocation of the left hip. Which assessment finding would confirm the nurse's suspicion?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
25. During the examination of a newborn infant, an RN suspects congenital dislocation of the left hip. Which assessment finding would confirm the nurse's suspicion?
. Lengthening of the limb on the affected side.
. Deformities of the foot and ankle.
. Plantar flexion of the foot.
. Asymmetry of the gluteal and thigh folds.
Test-Taking Tip
Form a mental image of the deformity and read the options carefully. Note the anatomical proximity between "hip" in the stem and "gluteal and thigh." Eliminate the other three options that refer to the lower extremity: ". . . limb" (Answer 1); ". . . foot and ankle" (Answer 2); ". . . foot" (Answer 3).
Content Area: Child Health, Newborn; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/System Specific Assessments
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the femur on the affected side is shortened, not lengthened. Answer 2 is incorrect because deformities of the foot and ankle are not symptoms of congenital hip dislocation. Answer 3 is incorrect because plantar flexion of the foot is seen with clubfoot, and is not a symptom of congenital hip dislocation. Answer 4 is correct because asymmetry of the gluteal and thigh folds is caused by restricted movement on the affected side, which is a symptom of congenital hip dislocation.