Maternal Disorders Related

Review Maternal Disorders related questions and content

When bathing an infant, what sign does the nurse recognize as a sign of developmental hip dysplasia?

  • A. Hypotonicity of the leg muscles
  • B. One leg is shorter than the other
  • C. Broadening and flattening of the buttocks
  • D. Two skinfolds on the back of each thigh
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: One leg is shorter than the other. This is a key sign of developmental hip dysplasia in infants. It indicates an imbalance in the hip joint, leading to unequal leg lengths. This can be detected during routine physical examinations by the nurse.

Incorrect choices:
A: Hypotonicity of the leg muscles - While muscle tone abnormalities can be associated with hip dysplasia, it is not a specific sign that is easily recognizable during bathing.
C: Broadening and flattening of the buttocks - This may be a sign of hip dysplasia in older children but is not a typical indicator in infants.
D: Two skinfolds on the back of each thigh - Although skinfolds can sometimes be present in infants with hip dysplasia, it is not a reliable or specific sign compared to the leg length discrepancy.