Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

If an infant has tufts of fine dark hair on the sacrum, which test is recommended?

1. An ultrasound of the sacrum

2. A plain radiograph of the lumbosacral spine

3. No imaging test is necessary

4. Genetic testing

The correct answer is: An ultrasound of the sacrum

When an infant presents with tufts of fine dark hair on the sacrum, it may indicate the possibility of underlying spinal abnormalities, such as spina bifida occulta or other neural tube defects. An ultrasound of the sacrum is recommended in this scenario because it is a non-invasive imaging technique that can effectively visualize the spinal anatomy and any associated anomalies without exposing the infant to radiation. This ultrasound can help assess the integrity of the underlying structures and determine if there are any potential concerns that need to be addressed. By identifying any abnormalities early, appropriate interventions can be planned to ensure the infant’s health and development. While other options are available, such as plain radiographs or more invasive testing like genetic testing, they are not the first-line approach in this situation due to either exposure to radiation in the case of radiographs or a lack of immediacy in addressing possible structural issues with genetic testing. Therefore, the recommended course of action is to conduct an ultrasound to accurately evaluate the condition related to the dermal signs observed.