A nurse is teaching a client about advance directives.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

A swollen area on the calf can indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication of immobility. Immobilization can lead to blood stasis in the veins, increasing the risk of clot formation. DVT can result in severe complications, such as pulmonary embolism, making it a critical concern that requires immediate attention.

Choice B rationale:

Increased blood pressure is not a direct complication of immobility. However, immobility can contribute to hypertension over time due to factors such as weight gain and reduced cardiovascular fitness. While hypertension is a concern, it is not an acute complication of immobility that necessitates immediate intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased serum calcium levels are not a direct complication of immobility. Immobility can lead to bone density loss and potential fractures due to reduced weight-bearing activities, but it does not cause an acute decrease in serum calcium levels.

Choice D rationale:

Urinary frequency is not a typical complication of immobility. Immobility can affect the urinary system, potentially leading to urinary stasis and increased risk of urinary tract infections, but urinary frequency is not a direct result of immobility.

Choice A rationale:

"Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights." This is the correct answer. Uneven shoulder and pelvic heights, along with an asymmetrical appearance of the spine when viewed from the back, are clinical manifestations of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often develops during the growth spurt before puberty. Screening for scoliosis typically involves assessing the alignment of the spine and looking for these asymmetries.

Choice B rationale:

Exaggerated curvature of the sacrum is not a typical sign of scoliosis. Scoliosis primarily affects the upper back and can cause a side-to-side curvature of the spine, not the sacrum.

Choice C rationale:

Limited range-of-motion of the hips is not a specific indicator of scoliosis. Restricted hip movement might suggest other musculoskeletal issues but is not directly related to scoliosis.

Choice D rationale:

Mild pain in the hip region is not a characteristic symptom of scoliosis. While scoliosis can cause discomfort, it typically manifests as back pain, not specifically in the hip region. Pain symptoms can vary widely among individuals and might not be present in all cases of scoliosis.