Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What should be assessed in infants to determine if they have pes planus?

1. Development of walking skills

2. Structure of the foot's arch

3. The presence of fat pads mimicking flat feet

4. Foot size compared to age norms

The correct answer is: The presence of fat pads mimicking flat feet

To accurately assess infants for pes planus, or flatfoot, it is essential to understand that the presence of fat pads may mimic the appearance of flat feet. Infants typically have a significant amount of subcutaneous fat in the foot area, which can obscure the natural arch of the foot. As they develop and grow, this fat pad diminishes, and the true structure of the foot, including any existing arches, becomes more apparent. Therefore, assessing for the presence of these fat pads is crucial, as they can lead to a misinterpretation of the foot's structural integrity. Additionally, understanding the development of walking skills, the actual structure of the foot's arch, and comparing foot size to age norms are important components in evaluating foot health; however, these factors do not directly address the immediate concern regarding the misleading appearance of flatfoot due to fat pads in young infants. Identifying whether the observed flatness is a variance due to fat pads or a true structural flatfoot is key in making a proper assessment. Thus, the focus on fat pads is a primary consideration when evaluating infants for pes planus.