When a newborn's feet turn outward, this condition is referred to as?

The condition where a newborn's feet turn outward is referred to as valgus position. In this position, the feet point away from the midline of the body. It is essential to recognize that this alignment can be a normal variant in newborns and may improve as they grow and develop.

Valgus position is common in infants due to their natural positioning and flexibility of ligaments and tendons, which allow for a range of movements. Understanding this position is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers as it helps in monitoring the musculoskeletal development of the infant and ensuring that any variations are within the expected range of normal.

In contrast, other terms such as varus position refer to a situation where the feet turn inward, pronation involves the inward rotation of the foot during walking, and supination involves the outward rotation. These distinctions can assist healthcare providers in accurately assessing and documenting the newborn's foot and leg positioning, enabling appropriate interventions if needed.