Child Refused to Walk for Two Days, Essay Example

For this patient, objective data should include the following questions: 1) Is the child having trouble communicating? 2) Does the child cry when he tries to walk? 3) How does the child respond when he is asked to walk? 4) Has the child experienced any other physical deficits? 5) Has the child had any other recent problems? 6) Has the child experienced this problem before? Each of these questions play a role in developing a diagnosis and determining if additional testing is required for this child (Swartz, 2009). These questions will provide a greater understanding of the child’s current state and his refusal to walk and may determine why he will not currently walk even when asked. They will also address the importance of the patient’s current state and will determine if there is more serious cause for concern that may require additional testing and evaluation.

With respect to ordering tests for this patient, a developmental screening is essential in order to determine if any developmental disabilities are present (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Gait abnormalities must also be explored, including toe walking, limping, and intoeing/outtoeing (Boston Children’s Hospital, 2013). If any of these conditions is suspected or any other type of concern with a child’s walk, it is important to conduct the proper testing in order to determine if there is serious deficiency (Boston Children’s Hospital, 2013). Possible tests may include X-Rays to examine leg and foot bones, MRIs to determine if there are any nerve or spinal cord deficiencies, and CT Scans in order to determine if there are any other visible abnormalities that may be contributing to the child’s refusal to walk (Boston Children’s Hospital, 2013). Each of these tests may be conducted in order to provide the healthcare team with greater insight into the child’s refusal to walk and whether or not it has a clinical basis. These elements will play an important role in the diagnostic and treatment phases for the child to promote optimal health and wellbeing.

References

Boston Children’s Hospital (2013). Walking (gait) abnormalities. Retrieved from http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/walking-gait abnormalities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). Developmental monitoring and screening. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html

Swartz, M.H. (2009). Textbook of Physical Diagnosis with DVD: history and examination with Student Consult online access. Saunders.