A nurse is assessing a 1-month-old infant at a pediatric office. Which of the following findings requires a referral for further care?

Rationale: A. Limited hip abduction: Restricted hip movement in an infant can indicate developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Early detection is essential because delayed treatment may lead to permanent hip deformities, gait abnormalities, and the need for surgical intervention. B. Symmetric gluteal and thigh skin folds: Symmetry of gluteal and thigh folds is a normal finding in infants. Asymmetry may be a sign of DDH, but symmetric folds generally indicate normal hip development and do not require referral. C. Equal leg length: Equal length of both legs is a normal musculoskeletal finding. Leg length discrepancy can be associated with hip dislocation or dysplasia, but equal lengths suggest proper femoral positioning. D. Femoral head remains in the acetabulum during the Barlow maneuver: A stable femoral head during the Barlow test indicates normal hip stability. If the femoral head dislocates or is reducible, referral for orthopedic evaluation would be warranted.