The clinic nurse asks a 13-year-old female to bend forward at the waist with arms hanging freely. Which of the following assessments is the nurse most likely conducting?
A. Spinal flexibility
B. Leg length disparity
C. Hypostatic blood pressure
D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: D. Scoliosis
A check for scoliosis, a lateral deviation of the spine, is an important part of the routine adolescent exam. It is assessed by having the teen bend at the waist with arms dangling, while observing for lateral curvature and uneven rib level. Scoliosis is more common in female adolescents. Evaluation is generally a screening evaluation either through a school entity, sports coach, or pediatrician. The proper formal evaluation includes x-ray imaging.
Option A: The ability to move the spine through its full range of motion, both forward and backward, demonstrates a high level of flexibility, and when done correctly, also good control over the spinal structure. Although the spine is made up of a chain of bones, it is flexible due to elastic ligaments and spinal disks.
Option B: Leg length disparity (discrepancy) or anisomelia, is defined as a condition in which the paired lower extremity limbs have a noticeably unequal length. Leg length discrepancy (LLD) has been a controversial issue among researchers and clinicians for many years. Its presence is accepted but there is little consensus as to its many aspects, including the extent of LLD considered to be clinically significant, the prevalence, reliability, and validity of the measuring methods, the effect of LLD on function, and its role in various neuromusculoskeletal conditions
Option C: Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mmHg within three minutes of standing when compared with blood pressure from the sitting or supine position.