FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

The Barlow test is used for the assessment of which condition in infants?

1. Developmental hip dysplasia

2. Clubfoot

3. Cerebral palsy

4. Spina bifida

The correct answer is: Developmental hip dysplasia

The Barlow test is specifically designed to assess developmental hip dysplasia in infants. This test focuses on evaluating the stability of the hip joint by determining whether the femoral head can be displaced from the acetabulum in infants who may have a congenital dislocation of the hip. During the Barlow test, the healthcare provider gently adducts the hip while applying posterior pressure on the femur. If the femoral head dislocates during this maneuver, it indicates instability of the hip joint, which can suggest developmental hip dysplasia. Early detection and treatment are essential, as untreated dysplasia can lead to long-term disability. In contrast, the other conditions listed—clubfoot, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida—require different assessment techniques and are not evaluated through the Barlow test. Each of these other conditions involves distinct pathophysiological mechanisms and presentations, making their assessment reliant on specific clinical tests and evaluations tailored to those conditions.