A nurse is caring for a patient with severe scoliosis.
What potential complications should the nurse monitor for in this patient?

Choice A rationale:

While addressing psychological distress is important, the priority for a client with lordosis experiencing limited mobility and postural abnormalities should be to focus on maintaining core strength through exercise and therapy.

This can help improve posture and mobility.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining core strength through exercise and therapy is crucial for addressing the postural abnormalities associated with lordosis.

Strengthening the core muscles can improve posture and reduce the strain on the spine.

Choice C rationale:

Addressing the underlying cause of lordosis is important, but it may not always be feasible or the top priority.

The nurse should focus on interventions that can directly improve the client's condition, such as exercise and therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Screening for early signs of spinal deformities during a check-up is not the primary concern for a client with lordosis.

The condition is already known, and the focus should be on addressing the client's mobility and postural issues.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased lung capacity and cardiovascular compromise can be potential complications of severe scoliosis, but these are not the primary complications to monitor for in this patient.

The most critical complications in severe scoliosis are related to the spine itself.

Choice B rationale:

Chronic pain and impaired organ function can indeed be potential complications of severe scoliosis, but these are not the primary complications to monitor for.

The question asks for the most critical complications associated with the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Respiratory difficulties and neurological deficits are the most critical complications to monitor for in a patient with severe scoliosis.

Severe spinal curvature can impede lung function and lead to respiratory problems.

Additionally, pressure on the spinal cord can result in neurological deficits.

Choice D rationale:

Psychological distress and limited mobility are potential consequences of severe scoliosis, but they are not the primary complications to monitor for.

The focus should be on the more immediate and life-threatening complications related to the spine, such as respiratory difficulties and neurological deficits.

Questions