An 18-month-old child is admitted to the hospital unit for weakness of the lower extremities. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is suspected. Which assessment finding on the admission history and physical is indicative of this disorder?
A)Infant was post-mature by almost two weeks.
B)The child seems very muscular.
C)The child walked early and without support at 10 months.
D)The child's older sister developed scoliosis in the fourth grade.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Duchenne muscular dystrophy often presents with pseudohypertrophy of the calf muscles, making the child appear very muscular, especially in the early stages of the disease. This is due to fibrofatty infiltration of muscle tissue, not an actual increase in muscle strength.

An 18-Month-Old Child Is Admitted to the Hospital Unit for Weakness