Question

A school nurse is preparing a physical education plan for a child with Down syndrome. Before preparing the plan, the nurse obtains which copy of an x-ray report?

a. The child's cervical spine
b. The child's chest
c. The child's lower extremities
d. The child's skull

Answer 1

A school nurse should obtain a copy of the child's cervical spine x-ray report when preparing a physical education plan for a child with Down syndrome to ensure that activities do not pose health risks, especially to the neck.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a school nurse is preparing a physical education plan for a child with Down syndrome, it is important to obtain a copy of the child's cervical spine x-ray report. This precaution is necessary because individuals with Down syndrome have a higher risk of atlantoaxial instability, which means that there may be excessive movement at the joint between the first two vertebrae in the neck (the atlas and the axis). Knowing the condition of the cervical spine helps ensure that physical activities included in the plan do not pose any risk to the child's health.

Since the cervical spine is critical to support the head and attaches the upper limbs to the axial skeleton, it is fundamental for both safety and mobility during physical activities. Proper assessment of the cervical spine can prevent complications that might arise during activities that involve significant neck movement or impact.