The school nurse is assessing a group of middle school students for signs of scoliosis and discovers a student with a noticeable unequal symmetry of the upper and lower back. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
Make a referral to have the scoliosis further evaluated.
Measure the degree of the thoracic and lumbar curvature.
Ask about the student's ability to participate in sports.
Review students health record for a recent growth spurt.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Make a referral to have the scoliosis further evaluated:
Making a referral for further evaluation is the most important intervention. A noticeable unequal symmetry of the upper and lower back suggests the possibility of scoliosis, a condition that requires accurate diagnosis and assessment by a specialist. An orthopedic evaluation or consultation with a healthcare provider can provide a definitive diagnosis and guide appropriate management or treatment.
B) Measure the degree of the thoracic and lumbar curvature:
Measuring the degree of curvature can provide useful information about the severity of scoliosis but should be done by a healthcare professional specializing in scoliosis. Initial steps should focus on referring the student for a comprehensive evaluation, which will include assessing the degree of curvature along with other diagnostic procedures.
C) Ask about the student's ability to participate in sports:
While it is important to consider the student's ability to participate in sports, this is not the immediate priority. The primary concern should be obtaining a proper diagnosis and assessment of the potential scoliosis to determine if there are any limitations or necessary modifications in physical activities.
D) Review students' health record for a recent growth spurt:
Reviewing the health record for a recent growth spurt may provide context, as rapid growth can influence scoliosis development or progression. However, the most critical step is to refer the student for further evaluation to address the observed signs of scoliosis and determine the appropriate course of action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A) Client survey both in clinic and in the home:
Conducting surveys in both the clinic and home settings provides a comprehensive approach to gathering data on vaccination rates and influenza cases. This method ensures a wider reach and captures information from diverse populations, which can help in understanding factors influencing vaccination rates.
B) Ask a set number of clients if they have had the flu:
This action is less systematic and may not provide comprehensive data on vaccination rates or trends. It focuses more on individual experiences rather than providing a broad analysis of vaccination coverage and influenza cases.
C) Determine change in immunization rates from prior year to current year:
Analyzing the change in immunization rates over time helps identify trends and patterns. This comparison will reveal whether there has been a decline in vaccination rates, which could correlate with the increase in influenza cases. This step is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of past vaccination efforts and identifying areas for improvement.
D) Generate influenza immunization and case reports from the electronic record for prior year and current year:
Generating and reviewing reports from electronic health records provides concrete data on immunization rates and influenza cases. This data is essential for identifying trends and making informed decisions about where and how to target interventions.
E) Develop an action plan to increase immunization rates:
While developing an action plan is a necessary step after analyzing the data, it is not part of the data gathering process itself. It comes after understanding the current trends and patterns from the data collected.
F) Delineate geographic distribution of area to survey and review for patterns:
Understanding the geographic distribution helps in identifying areas with higher or lower vaccination rates and influenza cases. This spatial analysis can reveal patterns related to vaccination coverage and infection rates, guiding targeted interventions and resource allocation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Small bruises on the lower extremities:
While bruises should be noted and monitored, small bruises on the lower extremities are relatively common in toddlers due to their active nature and frequent minor falls. They do not immediately indicate abuse unless accompanied by other signs.
B) A one-inch laceration across the center of the forehead:
A laceration, especially if it's recent, should be assessed for proper care and treatment. However, a laceration alone does not necessarily indicate abuse and is less urgent compared to signs of possible abuse such as burns.
C) Refusal to answer simple questions:
A toddler’s reluctance to answer questions might be due to shyness or anxiety related to the visit or the situation. This behavior alone does not indicate an immediate need for intervention unless accompanied by other signs of distress or harm.
D) Several dime-sized circular burns on the back:
Circular burns are a significant concern as they are characteristic of burn injuries that may result from abuse, such as being burned by a hot object or liquid. This finding warrants immediate intervention and further investigation to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
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