A nurse in a family health clinic is collecting data as part of a routine physical examination of a client who is about to enter high school. The nurse observes an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. The nurse should expect the provider to document which of the following disorders?

A. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, commonly detected during routine physical exams in school-aged children and adolescents. This is the correct diagnosis for the described symptom. B. Ankylosis: Ankylosis refers to joint stiffness or immobility due to fusion of the bones, not a lateral curvature of the spine. It is typically associated with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and does not describe a spinal curvature. C. Kyphosis: Kyphosis involves an abnormal forward curvature of the spine, often resulting in a hunchback appearance. It is not the same as a lateral curvature and thus does not fit the description given. D. Lordosis: Lordosis is characterized by an exaggerated inward curve of the lower spine, commonly referred to as swayback. It does not involve lateral curvature and therefore is not relevant to the described condition.