An infant is diagnosed with plagiocephaly. When teaching the parents about treatment which information would the nurse likely include?
"It is likely your infant will need minimally invasive surgery once the infant reaches 6 months of age."
"Treatment focuses on making sure to place your baby on his back for most of the time he is in the crib."
"Your infant may need to wear a helmet for most hours of the day."
"Your infant will need to be hospitalized to have surgery to completely correct this problem."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Minimally invasive surgery is not the standard treatment for plagiocephaly. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for rare, severe, or syndromic cases where conservative measures fail or cranial deformities are extreme. Most infants respond well to non-surgical interventions if identified early.
B. Placing an infant on their back is critical for SIDS prevention, but strict supine positioning can contribute to positional plagiocephaly. Therefore, treatment focuses on repositioning the infant during awake periods, encouraging tummy time, and limiting prolonged supine positioning when the infant is awake and supervised, to promote symmetrical skull growth.
C. Helmet therapy, also called cranial orthosis, is considered the most effective intervention for moderate to severe plagiocephaly. The helmet works by gently guiding skull growth as the infant’s skull is still malleable, usually between 4–12 months of age. Infants typically wear the helmet for 23 hours a day, with adjustments made every few weeks by a specialist to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. This therapy is non-invasive, reduces cranial asymmetry, and avoids the need for surgery in most cases. Parents are also instructed on monitoring skin integrity, proper cleaning, and follow-up appointments to track progress.
D. Hospitalization and surgery are unnecessary for standard positional plagiocephaly. Surgical correction is extremely rare and only indicated for congenital cranial malformations or syndromes that do not respond to conservative management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. School-aged children (ages 6–12) are in Erikson’s stage of Industry vs. Inferiority, during which they develop a sense of competence through achievement, skill mastery, and productive activities. Participating in organized sports or extracurricular activities allows children to practice skills, receive recognition, work in teams, and gain confidence, all of which support healthy psychosocial development and a sense of industry.
B. Concern with attractiveness is incorrect because this is more characteristic of the adolescent stage (Identity vs. Role Confusion), when children focus on body image, self-identity, and peer acceptance.
C. Wants to please parents is incorrect because preschool-aged children (ages 3–6) in Initiative vs. Guilt often seek parental approval. While school-aged children still value adult feedback, their primary focus shifts toward competence and peer recognition rather than parental approval alone.
D. Makes up games is incorrect because inventing games is typical of the preschool stage (Initiative vs. Guilt), when children engage in imaginative and symbolic play. School-aged children move toward structured play and rule-based activities, reflecting cognitive growth and industry development.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The Pavlik harness is typically worn continuously, including during diaper changes, except when specifically instructed by the healthcare provider. Frequent removal can compromise hip positioning and reduce treatment effectiveness.
B. While some cases may require further intervention if the harness is unsuccessful, the Pavlik harness often is the primary treatment for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) under 6 months of age. This statement is misleading for parent teaching.
C. The Pavlik harness is generally worn for several weeks to months, depending on the infant’s response and severity of hip dysplasia. Two weeks is insufficient for proper hip stabilization.
D. The Pavlik harness is designed to hold the infant’s hips in flexion and abduction, promoting proper alignment of the femoral head in the acetabulum. This positioning allows the hip joint to develop normally and reduces the risk of long-term complications such as hip subluxation or dislocation. This statement accurately conveys the purpose of the device and is essential for parent education.
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