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 D
Explanation
A) Immunize all children under age 5 in the one hundred family aggregate:
Immunization would be a standard preventive measure to control the spread of whooping cough, but in this case, the immediate focus should be on managing the current outbreak. Ensuring that the child with whooping cough and their close contacts are managed appropriately is crucial, rather than preemptively immunizing all children in the aggregate without addressing the existing case.
B) Immunize all members of the one hundred families:
While immunization is essential in preventing whooping cough, implementing this measure without considering the specific outbreak context and the families' religious beliefs might not be feasible or immediately effective. Additionally, managing the outbreak and containing its spread is the immediate priority.
C) Quarantine the one hundred family aggregate:
Quarantining an entire aggregate of families, especially when the infection is present in only one documented case, would be excessive and likely impractical. Quarantine measures should be targeted to those directly exposed or infected to prevent further spread.
D) Quarantine all family members of the child with whooping cough:
Quarantining all family members of the child with whooping cough is the most appropriate immediate intervention. This targeted quarantine helps prevent the spread of the infection within the affected household and controls the outbreak. It addresses the specific exposure and containment needs of the situation effectively.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Weight and height:
While measuring weight and height is important for assessing growth and overall health, it may not address the most critical health issues or concerns for high school students in the context of a health fair. Weight and height provide general health information but may not reflect more immediate or significant health needs specific to this population.
B) Sexual activity:
Assessing sexual activity is crucial in a health fair setting for high school students, as it directly relates to important health issues such as sexual health, risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Understanding students’ sexual activity can help tailor educational programs and provide necessary resources and counseling, making it a priority assessment for addressing relevant health concerns.
C) Immunization history:
Immunization history is important for identifying gaps in vaccinations and ensuring that students are protected against preventable diseases. However, while relevant, it may not address the specific behavioral and health education needs that can be more directly assessed through discussions about sexual activity and associated risks.
D) Visual acuity:
Assessing visual acuity is important for identifying potential vision problems but may not address the broader range of health issues and behavioral concerns that are relevant for high school students. Visual acuity is one aspect of health but does not capture the comprehensive needs that can be identified through an assessment of sexual activity.
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