A preadolescent has been diagnosed with scoliosis.The planned therapy is the use of a thoracolumbosacral orthotic.The preadolescent asks how long she will have to wear the brace.What is the appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bracing can halt or slow the progress of most curvatures.They must be used continuously until the child reaches skeletal maturity.Telling the child "for as long as you have been told" does not answer the child's question and does not promote involvement in care.Six months is unrealistic because skeletal maturity is not reached until adolescence.When skeletal growth is complete,bracing is no longer effective.

A Preadolescent Has Been Diagnosed with Scoliosis