MEDizzy - The nurse is assisting a primary health care provider (PHCP)

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Pediatric Nursing

The nurse is assisting a primary health care provider (PHCP) examine a 3- week-old infant with developmental dysplasia of the hip. What test or sign should the nurse expect the PHCP to assess?

ExplanationIn developmental dysplasia of the hip, the head of the femur is seated improperly in the acetabulum or hip socket of the pelvis. Ortolani’s maneuver is a test to assess for hip instability and can be done only before 4 weeks of age. The examiner abducts the thigh and applies gentle pressure forward over the greater trochanter. A “clicking” sensation indicates a dislocated femoral head moving into the acetabulum. Babinski’s sign is abnormal in anyone older than 2 years of age and indicates central nervous system abnormality. The Moro reflex is normally present at birth but is absent by 6 months; if still present at 6 months, there is an indication of neurological abnormality. The palmar-plantar grasp is present at birth and lessens within 8 months.