Capstone Nursing Care of Children Practice Exam

For an adolescent with scoliosis who is instructed to wear a Boston brace, the general guidance is that they can take off the brace for approximately 1 hour a day. This time frame allows for some relief and comfort while ensuring that the effectiveness of the brace in correcting or preventing the progression of scoliosis is maintained. The brace is designed to support the spine while it is worn, so limiting the off-time is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.

Longer periods without the brace, such as 2 hours or more, could undermine the treatment plan by allowing more time for the spine to shift out of the desired position. Similarly, an instruction of "as needed" would not provide a structured approach to wearing the brace, which is essential for successful management of scoliosis in adolescents, as consistent pressure on the spine is required for correction. Therefore, allowing for 1 hour of brace-free time strikes a balance between comfort and the therapeutic goals of scoliosis management.