The nurse is teaching a family how to care for their infant in a Pavlik harness to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip. Which instruction should be included in the teaching?

The correct answer is d. Frequent serial casting is tried first

Choice A reason:

Infants do not outgrow clubfoot on their own. Without treatment, the condition can lead to significant disability and difficulty walking. Early intervention is crucial to correct the deformity and ensure proper foot function.

Choice B Reason:

Surgical intervention is not the first line of treatment for mild cases of clubfoot. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases or when nonsurgical methods, such as casting, have failed. The goal is to correct the foot’s position using less invasive methods whenever possible.

Choice C Reason:

Traction with foot manipulation is not a standard treatment for clubfoot. The primary nonsurgical treatment involves the Ponseti method, which includes gentle manipulation and serial casting to gradually correct the foot’s position.

Choice D Reason:

Frequent serial casting, known as the Ponseti method, is the first line of treatment for clubfoot. This method involves weekly manipulation and casting of the foot to gradually move it into the correct position. It is highly effective and is the preferred initial treatment for most cases of clubfoot.

Choice A: OI is Easily Treated

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is not easily treated. It is a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that break easily. While there are treatments available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, there is no cure for OI1. Treatments include medications to strengthen bones, physical therapy, and surgical procedures.

Choice B: With a Later Onset, the Disease Usually Runs a More Difficult Course

The severity of osteogenesis imperfecta can vary widely, but it is not necessarily true that a later onset leads to a more difficult course. The course of the disease depends on the type of OI and the specific genetic mutation involved. Some types of OI are more severe and present earlier in life, while others are milder and may not be diagnosed until later.

Choice C: Braces and PT Exercises are of No Therapeutic Value

This statement is incorrect. Braces and physical therapy (PT) exercises are valuable in managing osteogenesis imperfecta. Physical therapy helps in building muscle strength, improving joint movement, and preventing fractures. Braces can provide support for weak muscles, decrease pain, and keep joints properly aligned.

Choice D: OI is an Inherited Disorder

This statement is true. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder that is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that a person only needs one copy of the defective gene from one parent to inherit the disorder. In some cases, OI can also occur due to a spontaneous mutation.