A nurse is assessing a 1-month-old infant at a pediatric office. Which of the following findings requires a referral for further care?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Limited hip abduction: Limited abduction of the hips in a 1-month-old can indicate developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This finding warrants further evaluation, such as ultrasound imaging, to rule out structural abnormalities and initiate early treatment if needed. B. Equal leg length: Equal leg length is a normal finding and does not require intervention. Leg length discrepancies are more concerning and often associated with hip dislocation or other musculoskeletal conditions. C. Symmetric gluteal and thigh skin folds: Symmetry in the gluteal and thigh folds is a reassuring sign that typically rules out DDH. Asymmetry would be more suggestive of a hip abnormality requiring follow-up. D. Femoral head remains in the acetabulum during the Barlow maneuver: This is a normal finding. The Barlow test assesses for hip instability, and if the femoral head remains stable within the socket, no further evaluation is needed.