Final answer:
A sign of developmental hip dysplasia recognized by a nurse bathing an infant is uneven leg lengths, which is a condition where the hip joint is not properly formed at birth, leading to potential dislocation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse bathing an infant would recognize a sign of developmental hip dysplasia as uneven leg lengths. Developmental hip dysplasia, also known as congenital hip dislocation, is a condition that can be present at birth where the hip joint has not formed properly. The hips may be unstable, or the femoral head is not adequately covered by the acetabulum, leading to potential dislocation.
A physical sign that can indicate this condition is the discrepancy in leg lengths. This is often observed during routine health assessments when one leg appears shorter than the other when the infant is laying down with their legs extended. In addition to uneven leg length, asymmetrical skin folds around the buttocks or thighs and limited hip abduction on one side compared to the other can also be indicative of developmental hip dysplasia.