Which factor should the nurse include when teaching a parent about the care of a newborn in a Pavlik harness for hip dysplasia?
A) The harness may be removed with every diaper change.
B) The harness maintains the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
C) The harness is only the first step of treatment.
D) The harness is worn for 2 weeks.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The harness is used to maintain the infant's hips in flexion and external rotation to allow the hips (femoral head and acetabulum)to mold and grow normally.The harness must be worn for 23 hours per day and should be removed only according to the physician's recommendation.Hips that remain unstable become progressively more deformed as maturity takes place.With early diagnosis and treatment,the Pavlik harness is often the only treatment necessary.The length of treatment is determined by radiographic documentation of the maturity of the hips.

Which Factor Should the Nurse Include When Teaching a Parent