A nurse is caring for a patient with severe scoliosis.
Which nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize to address potential complications associated with this condition?

Choice A rationale:

Physical therapy sessions are a common non-surgical treatment for scoliosis.

Physical therapists can work with patients to develop exercises and techniques that help improve posture, strengthen muscles, and manage the condition.

Choice D rationale:

Instruction on postural exercises is also an essential component of non-surgical treatment for scoliosis.

These exercises aim to improve posture and reduce the progression of the spinal curvature.

Choice B rationale:

Administration of pain medication may be necessary to manage discomfort associated with scoliosis, but it is not a primary non-surgical treatment.

Pain medication is typically used in conjunction with other interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Recommendation for spinal fusion surgery is not a non-surgical treatment.

Spinal fusion surgery is a surgical intervention and would not be included in a non-surgical plan of care for scoliosis.

Questions

Choice A rationale:

"Obesity." Rationale: Obesity can contribute to lordosis by altering the distribution of body weight and placing additional stress on the lumbar spine.

Excessive abdominal weight can lead to an increased lumbar curve, which is characteristic of lordosis.

Therefore, choice A is correct.

Choice B rationale:

"Family history." Rationale: Family history is not a direct cause of lordosis.

Instead, it may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain musculoskeletal conditions or spinal abnormalities that could contribute to the development of lordosis in some individuals.

Therefore, choice B is relevant but not a direct cause.

Choice C rationale:

"Participation in certain sports activities." Rationale: This statement is not a direct cause of lordosis.

However, some sports or physical activities may exacerbate existing lordosis or increase the risk of developing lordotic posture, especially if they involve excessive arching of the lower back.

Therefore, choice C is not a direct cause but can be a contributing factor.

Choice D rationale:

"Osteoporosis." Rationale: Osteoporosis primarily affects bone density and can lead to increased spinal curvature (such as kyphosis) but is not a direct cause of lordosis.

Therefore, choice D is not a direct cause of lordosis.

Choice E rationale:

"Neuromuscular conditions." Rationale: Neuromuscular conditions that affect the muscles and nerves responsible for maintaining proper spinal alignment can lead to lordosis.

Conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy may result in an abnormal curvature of the spine.

Therefore, choice E is correct.