The school nurse is assessing a student for scoliosis. When comparing the right and left sides, which landmark, if uneven, could indicate a problem? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Iliac crest: Asymmetry of the iliac crests often suggests a pelvic tilt associated with a lateral spinal curvature or leg-length discrepancy. During a scoliosis screening, the nurse observes the waistline for unevenness that may indicate a compensatory pelvic shift. It is a primary landmark for identifying truncal imbalance. B. Temporomandibular joint: This joint facilitates mandibular movement for mastication and speech and is located in the facial skeleton. Its alignment is unrelated to the structural integrity or curvature of the vertebral column. Asymmetry here would suggest a dental or maxillofacial issue rather than scoliosis. C. Interphalangeal joint: These joints are located within the fingers and are involved in fine motor tasks and grip. Their alignment has no clinical relevance to the assessment of spinal symmetry or the detection of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. They are distant from the axial skeleton and its associated postural landmarks. D. Scapula: An uneven or "winging" scapula is a classic sign of scoliosis, indicating a rib hump caused by vertebral rotation. When the student performs the Adam's Forward Bend Test, one shoulder blade may appear higher or more prominent than the other. This is a critical indicator of a three-dimensional spinal deformity. E. Acromion process: Shoulder height inequality, observed at the acromion process, is often the first visible sign of an underlying spinal curve. One shoulder appearing higher than the other at rest suggests that the thoracic spine is not properly aligned. It is a standard anatomical reference point in postural screenings.