A child with achondroplasia will likely have which of the following physical characteristics?

  • alopecia, failure to thrive, small face, recessed jaw
  • enlarged hands and feet, skull expansion at fontanelle, enlarged tongue
  • poor muscle tone, slanted eyes, single palmar crease
  • dwarf stature, short fingers and toes, short proximal limbs
Number 4 is correct.
Achondroplasia is a type of dwarfism marked by shortened proximal limbs, short fingers and toes, a large head, and a small midface with a flattened nasal bridge. Physical characteristics such as alopecia, failure to thrive, a small face, and a recessed jaw are seen in children with progeria. Enlarged hands and feet, skull expansion at fontanelle, and an enlarged tongue are characteristics found in people with acromegaly. Children with Down syndrome may present with poor muscle tone, slanted eyes, and a single palmar crease.