The nurse caring for a 6-month-old infant notices delayed motor milestones, bowed legs, irritability, sweating, and delayed fontanelle closure. Laboratory results show low serum calcium and phosphorus levels.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
The nurse caring for a 6-month-old infant notices delayed motor milestones, bowed legs, irritability, sweating, and delayed fontanelle closure. Laboratory results show low serum calcium and phosphorus levels.
What condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Cystic fibrosis
[5%]
B. Osteogenesis imperfecta
[30%]
C. Rickets
[43%]
D. Duchenne muscular dystrophy
[22%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Musculoskeletal
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Rickets is characterized by impaired bone mineralization due to deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. The clinical manifestations observed in this infant, including delayed motor milestones, bowing of the legs, irritability, sweating, and delayed closure of fontanelles, are consistent with rickets. Additionally, low levels of serum calcium and phosphorus are indicative of this condition.
Choice A is incorrect. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It may present with symptoms such as failure to thrive, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal disturbances, it does not typically cause skeletal deformities or abnormalities in serum calcium and phosphorus levels seen in rickets.
Choice B is incorrect. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder characterized by brittle bones and frequent fractures. While it may present with skeletal abnormalities, such as bone deformities and short stature, it does not typically cause bowing of the legs or delayed closure of fontanelles seen in rickets. Additionally, serum calcium and phosphorus levels are typically within normal limits in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Choice D is incorrect. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. It may present with delayed motor milestones, it does not cause skeletal deformities or abnormalities in serum calcium and phosphorus levels seen in rickets.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Rickets
31.13 Musculoskeletal Injuries & Disorders
Additional Info
✓ Rickets is a childhood disorder characterized by impaired bone development, primarily due to a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are essential for bone mineralization and growth. When there is a deficiency in vitamin D or inadequate absorption of calcium and phosphorus, the bones become weak, soft, and prone to deformities.
✓ Implement developmental interventions to support the infant's motor milestones and facilitate optimal growth and development. Encourage age-appropriate activities that promote muscle strength, coordination, and mobility.
✓ Administer vitamin D supplements as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Ensure that the infant receives the appropriate dosage of vitamin D supplementation to correct any deficiencies and support bone mineralization.
✓ Rickets remains a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in regions with limited access to sunlight and poor nutritional intake. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rickets affects millions of children globally, with higher prevalence rates reported in developing countries where vitamin D deficiency is more common.
