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

A. Waddling gait

B. Kyphosis

C. Lordosis

D. Scoliosis

E. Gower sign

Choice A reason

Waddling gait: Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) often exhibit a waddling gait due to progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the pelvic girdle muscles. This gait pattern is a compensatory mechanism to maintain balance and mobility despite weakened muscles. The waddling gait is one of the early signs of DMD and typically becomes noticeable between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

Choice B Reason

Kyphosis: Kyphosis, an excessive outward curvature of the spine, can develop in children with DMD as the disease progresses. Muscle weakness and imbalance, particularly in the back muscles, contribute to this spinal deformity. Kyphosis can lead to discomfort, respiratory issues, and further mobility challenges, necessitating close monitoring and intervention.

Choice C Reason

Lordosis: Lordosis, an exaggerated inward curvature of the lower spine, is another common finding in children with DMD. This condition often develops as a compensatory mechanism to maintain an upright posture despite weakened hip and thigh muscles. Lordosis can cause lower back pain and impact overall posture and gait.

Choice D Reason

Scoliosis: Scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine, frequently occurs in children with DMD due to progressive muscle weakness and imbalance. As the disease advances, scoliosis can become more pronounced, leading to discomfort, respiratory complications, and further functional limitations. Early detection and management are crucial to mitigate these effects.

Choice E Reason

Gower sign: The Gower sign is a classic clinical indicator of DMD. It refers to the maneuver children with DMD use to rise from the floor, involving the use of their hands to “walk” up their legs due to proximal muscle weakness. This sign is typically observed in early childhood and is a key diagnostic feature of DMD1.

Choice A reason:

Cleansing the suture line, maintaining an upright position, and using arm restraints are crucial aspects of postoperative care for an infant after cleft lip repair. Cleansing the suture line helps prevent infection and promotes healing. Keeping the infant in an upright position reduces the risk of aspiration and helps with breathing. Arm restraints prevent the infant from touching or rubbing the surgical site, which could disrupt the healing process.

Choice B Reason:

Mouth irrigations and a prone position are not recommended for postoperative care after cleft lip repair. Mouth irrigations can be too harsh for the delicate surgical site, and a prone position (lying face down) can increase the risk of aspiration and breathing difficulties. Cleansing the suture line is important, but the other aspects of this choice are not suitable.

Choice C Reason:

Frequent oral suction and spoon feeding are not appropriate for an infant after cleft lip repair. Oral suction can be too aggressive and may damage the surgical site. Spoon feeding is not recommended as it can put pressure on the healing lip. Giving a teething toy is also not advisable as it can cause the infant to put objects in their mouth, potentially harming the surgical site.

Choice D Reason:

Arm restraints are indeed necessary to prevent the infant from touching the surgical site. However, postural drainage and mouth irrigations are not suitable for postoperative care after cleft lip repair. Postural drainage is not relevant to this condition, and mouth irrigations can be too harsh for the healing tissue.