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 maintains the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
B.
The harness may be removed with every diaper change.
C.
The harness is only the first step of treatment.
D.
The harness is worn for 2 weeks.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. The harness maintains the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
Explanation:
The Pavlik harness is a common treatment used for infants diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This harness is designed to maintain the hips in a specific position to help the hip joint develop properly. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each option:
A. The harness maintains the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
This is the correct answer. The primary purpose of the Pavlik harness is to position the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. By keeping the hips in this position, the harness helps to keep the femoral head securely within the acetabulum, which promotes proper hip joint development and alignment. This positioning is crucial for the proper treatment of hip dysplasia in infants.
B. The harness may be removed with every diaper change.
This statement is incorrect. The Pavlik harness should not be removed frequently, including during diaper changes, unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. The harness needs to remain in place to effectively maintain the proper hip position continuously. Frequent removal could hinder the treatment process and affect the harness’s effectiveness in correcting the hip alignment.
C. The harness is only the first step of treatment.
While this statement has some truth, it is not entirely accurate in the context of the Pavlik harness itself. The harness is often the first line of treatment for infants with hip dysplasia, but in many cases, it represents the primary method of management rather than a preliminary step. If the harness is not effective or if the dysplasia is severe, additional treatments such as casting or surgery might be required.
D. The harness is worn for 2 weeks.
This option is incorrect. The duration for wearing the Pavlik harness typically extends beyond two weeks, often ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the hip dysplasia and the infant’s response to treatment. The duration of use is determined by the orthopedic specialist based on regular evaluations of the hip’s development and alignment.
In summary, the Pavlik harness is designed to keep the hips in a specific position to support proper development, which makes option A the correct answer.