Question

The nurse is assisting with scoliosis screenings for school-age children. The nurse should place the students in which of the following positions during the screening?

a) Standing upright
b) Sitting on a stool
c) Bending forward at the waist
d) Lying on their backs

Answer 1

In scoliosis screenings, the nurse should have students bend forward at the waist. This position helps identify abnormal curvatures of the spine, allowing for early intervention and treatment if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

During scoliosis screenings for school-age children, the nurse should position the student by having them bend forward at the waist. This position, known as the Adam's Forward Bend Test, helps to identify the presence of scoliosis, which is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. In a child with scoliosis, bending forward will reveal asymmetry in the rib cage or along the back, as the sides of the spine will not be level with each other.

It's essential to screen adolescents for scoliosis because it tends to worsen during growth spurts. Timely detection of scoliosis is crucial as it can lead to early intervention, which may include treatments like a back brace or, in severe cases, surgery. The main objective is to maintain proper spinal alignment and avoid future complications.