Question

The school nurse is screening children for scoliosis. Identify the age range that is most at risk for developing the disease.

1) 12 year olds
2) 2 year olds
3) 5 year olds
4) 18 year olds

Answer 1

The age range most at risk for developing scoliosis is the preteen to adolescent years, specifically around the age of 12 when growth spurts occur. This condition is particularly common among girls and can lead to the necessity of treatments like back braces or surgery depending on its severity.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 1) 12 year olds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The age range most at risk for developing scoliosis is that of preteens and adolescents. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 1) 12 year olds. Scoliosis tends to get worse during adolescent growth spurts, and it is most common among girls during this age.

The condition can result from a variety of causes such as back muscle weakness, differential growth rates in the vertebral column, or limb length discrepancies. If scoliosis is identified, treatments like back braces or in extreme cases, surgery, may be recommended based on the severity of the curve.