Question

What would the nurse consider an abnormal finding on a musculoskeletal assessment of a 4-year-old child? A) Unsteady gait while learning to walk. B) Symmetrical muscle tone and strength. C) Bowleg appearance when standing. D) Asymmetrical limb length.

Answer 1

In a musculoskeletal assessment of a 4-year-old, asymmetrical limb lengths are considered an abnormal finding and may indicate a need for further medical evaluation.

Step-by-step explanation:

An abnormal finding in a musculoskeletal assessment of a 4-year-old child would be D) Asymmetrical limb length. While it's normal for children to have an unsteady gait while learning to walk and a bowlegged appearance can also be within the range of normal development for this age, asymmetrical limb lengths can indicate underlying medical conditions or developmental issues. These asymmetrical limb lengths may be a sign of congenital deformities, growth plate injuries, infections, or other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that require further evaluation and intervention.