Health Promotion and Maintenance
24. A nurse performs a scoliosis screening at a local school. Which assessment finding by the nurse would least likely result in a scoliosis referral?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
24. A nurse performs a scoliosis screening at a local school. Which assessment finding by the nurse would least likely result in a scoliosis referral?
. Unilateral rib hump noted when the child is bent forward.
. Asymmetrical hip height noted when the child is standing erect.
. Uneven wear noted on the bottom of the child's pant legs.
. Rounded shoulders noted when the child is standing erect.
Test-Taking Tip
Screening for scoliosis does involve assessing for differences between the right and left side of the child's body when standing erect ( Answer 2 ) and when bent forward ( Answer 1 ) at 90 degrees. The stem asks for "least likely" as the best response.
Content Area: Child Health, Musculoskeletal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Health Screening
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because a unilateral rib hump is indicative of scoliosis. Answer 2 is incorrect because asymmetrical hip height is indicative of scoliosis. Answer 3 is incorrect because uneven pant lengths may be indicative of scoliosis. Answer 4 is correct because the nurse is least likely to refer a child for scoliosis follow-up based on an assessment finding of rounded shoulders. This finding may simply reflect the child's poor posture or in severe cases may indicate the condition of kyphosis, not scoliosis.