Question

A nurse is assisting a health care provider (HCP) during the examination of an infant with hip dysplasia. The HCP performs the Ortolani maneuver. Which of the following best describes the action/purpose of the Ortolani maneuver?

a) Assessing for the presence of hip dislocation.
b) Evaluating joint flexibility in the ankle.
c) Checking for spinal curvature.
d) Testing for neurological deficits

Answer 1

The Ortolani maneuver is a test used to assess for the presence of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants by detecting the 'clunk' of a hip being reduced into the socket.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ortolani maneuver is a clinical test used during the physical examination of infants to assess for the presence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), commonly known as hip dysplasia. The maneuver is performed by the health care provider who gently lifts and abducts the infant's legs while palpating the greater trochanter with the fingers. The purpose of this test is to feel for a 'clunk' which indicates that the dislocated hip is being reduced into the acetabulum. This test helps in the early detection of hip dysplasia to prevent future joint problems and to initiate appropriate therapeutic interventions.

In response to the student's multiple-choice question, the correct answer is: a) Assessing for the presence of hip dislocation. This is because the primary aim of the Ortolani maneuver is to detect hip dislocation. The other options are not related to the Ortolani test, as they involve evaluations of different parts of the body or different types of neurological function tests.