A school nurse is screening an 11-year-old child for idiopathic scoliosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the child for this examination?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Bend forward from the waist with your head and arms downward." This position, known as the Adam’s forward bend test, is commonly used to screen for scoliosis. It allows the nurse to observe for any asymmetry in the rib cage or spine, which could indicate scoliosis. B. "Lie prone on the examination table." Lying prone (face down) does not allow for the assessment of spinal curvature or rib asymmetry. This position is not useful for scoliosis screening. C. "Touch your chin to your chest, and then look up at the ceiling." These movements assess neck flexibility and range of motion, which are not relevant for screening scoliosis. D. "Turn to the side, and remain in a relaxed position." Turning to the side and relaxing does not provide the necessary view of the spine to assess for scoliosis. This position does not allow for a clear view of any asymmetry in the spine or ribs.