Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and Lordosis: Comprehensive Nursing Notes
Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and Lordosis: Comprehensive Nursing Notes ( 15 Questions)
Which clinical presentation findings should the nurse expect to observe in this patient?
The patient with scoliosis typically presents with uneven shoulders and waist. Scoliosis is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, which can cause an asymmetrical appearance of the shoulders and waist. This curvature may become more noticeable when the patient bends forward or stands upright, as one side of the back may appear more prominent than the other.
"I have a rounded upper back." This statement is not indicative of scoliosis. A rounded upper back is more characteristic of kyphosis, which involves an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine.
"I have an exaggerated inward curve in my lower back." This statement is not associated with scoliosis either. An exaggerated inward curve in the lower back is a feature of lordosis, not scoliosis.
"I experience difficulty standing upright." While scoliosis can potentially lead to discomfort and difficulty with posture, it is not the primary clinical presentation. The primary feature of scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine and the resulting asymmetry in the shoulders and waist.
Choice A rationale:
The patient with scoliosis typically presents with uneven shoulders and waist.
Scoliosis is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine, which can cause an asymmetrical appearance of the shoulders and waist.
This curvature may become more noticeable when the patient bends forward or stands upright, as one side of the back may appear more prominent than the other.
Choice B rationale:
"I have a rounded upper back." This statement is not indicative of scoliosis.
A rounded upper back is more characteristic of kyphosis, which involves an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine.
Choice C rationale:
"I have an exaggerated inward curve in my lower back." This statement is not associated with scoliosis either.
An exaggerated inward curve in the lower back is a feature of lordosis, not scoliosis.
Choice D rationale:
"I experience difficulty standing upright." While scoliosis can potentially lead to discomfort and difficulty with posture, it is not the primary clinical presentation.
The primary feature of scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine and the resulting asymmetry in the shoulders and waist.