As a nurse caring for a school-age child, the nurse may anticipate which primary stressor/fear?

Unequal scapula and hip heights can be indicative of spinal curvature, a key characteristic of scoliosis. As the spine curves, it can cause the shoulders and hips to appear uneven when observed from behind. This asymmetry is an important visual clue that warrants further assessment and evaluation.

Equal rib prominence and tight-fitting clothes, equal waist and shoulder angles, and symmetric chest expansion with deep breaths are not specific signs of scoliosis. These signs may not be affected by spinal curvature and are not typically used in the screening process for scoliosis.

It's important to note that scoliosis screenings may involve more comprehensive assessments, including the use of scoliometers or other measuring tools to evaluate the degree of spinal curvature. Any concerns or suspicions of scoliosis should be reported to appropriate healthcare professionals for further evaluation and management.

School-age children typically have a growing awareness of their bodies and an understanding of potential harm or pain. They may fear procedures or treatments that involve physical discomfort, such as injections, blood draws, or invasive procedures. The fear of experiencing pain or bodily injury can cause anxiety and distress in school-age children.

It is important for the nurse to acknowledge and address the child's fear of pain or bodily injury by providing age-appropriate explanations, offering reassurance, and implementing strategies to minimize discomfort. This may involve using distraction techniques, providing emotional support, and ensuring proper pain management during procedures.

While loss of privacy and control, separation anxiety, and stranger anxiety can also be stressors for school-age children, the fear of pain or bodily injury is often a significant concern that may require specific attention and interventions from the nurse.