When assessing a 68 year-old female patient, the nurse notes an exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine when the patient bends at the waist. How would the nurse evaluate this finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine is commonly seen in older patients as a result of age-related changes in the spine. This curvature is called kyphosis, and while it can cause discomfort or affect mobility, it does not typically require emergency surgery. Scoliosis refers to a lateral curvature of the spine, which is not what the nurse is observing in this scenario. The fact that the patient is a woman does not necessarily have any bearing on this finding.

When Assessing a 68 Year-Old Female Patient, the Nurse Notes