A neonate is born with bilateral mild talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). When the parents ask the nurse how this will be corrected, the nurse should give which explanation?

 

Choice A reason:

Wearing cotton underpants is recommended to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls. Cotton is a breathable fabric that allows air to circulate, reducing moisture and creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth. This helps to keep the genital area dry and clean, which is important in preventing UTIs.

Choice B reason:

Limiting trips to the bathroom is not recommended for preventing UTIs. In fact, it is important for young girls to urinate frequently to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Holding urine for extended periods can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infection. Therefore, encouraging regular bathroom trips is a better practice for preventing UTIs.

Choice C reason:

Decreasing salt intake is not directly related to preventing UTIs. While a healthy diet is important for overall health, there is no specific evidence linking salt intake to the prevention of urinary tract infections. The focus should be on practices that directly reduce the risk of bacterial growth and infection in the urinary tract.

Choice D reason:

Soaking in a bathtub, especially with bubble baths or perfumed soaps, can increase the risk of UTIs. These substances can irritate the urethra and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. It is better to avoid prolonged baths with such products and instead opt for quick showers to maintain hygiene without increasing the risk of infection.

Choice A reason:

Infants do not outgrow clubfoot when they learn to walk. Clubfoot is a congenital deformity that requires medical intervention to correct. Without treatment, the condition can lead to significant disability and difficulty in walking1. The goal of treatment is to correct the foot’s position and function, allowing the child to walk normally.

Choice B reason:

Surgical intervention is not the first line of treatment for clubfoot. While surgery may be necessary in severe cases or if other treatments fail, the initial approach typically involves non-surgical methods. The Ponseti method, which includes serial casting and gentle manipulation, is the preferred initial treatment. Surgery is considered only if these methods do not achieve the desired results.

Choice C reason:

Traction with foot manipulation is not a standard treatment for clubfoot. The primary non-surgical treatment involves the Ponseti method, which includes serial casting and gentle manipulation of the foot3. This method has been shown to be highly effective in correcting clubfoot without the need for traction.

Choice D reason:

Frequent serial casting is the first line of treatment for clubfoot. The Ponseti method, which involves weekly casting and gentle manipulation of the foot, is the most widely used and effective treatment for clubfoot. This method gradually corrects the foot’s position over several weeks, followed by bracing to maintain the correction4. Serial casting is preferred because it is non-invasive and has a high success rate.