A patient's annual physical examination reveals a lateral curvature of the thoracic and lumbar segments of his spine; however, this curvature disappears with forward bending.The nurse recognizes these findings to likely be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the curvature disappears with forward bending indicates a functional scoliosis, which is caused by non-structural factors such as muscle imbalances or posture habits. Structural scoliosis is a fixed curvature that does not disappear with bending or postural changes. Herniated nucleus pulposus and dislocated hip are not related to spinal curvature.

A Patient's Annual Physical Examination Reveals a Lateral Curvature of the Thoracic