A nurse in a community clinic is caring for a 20-month-old toddler who has spiral fractures of the right ulna and radius. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential indication of abuse?
The child was brought to the facility 30 min after the injury occurred.
The child begins to cry when her arm is examined by the provider.
The parents report that the child injured herself by falling off the couch.
The child's examination shows a single injury.
The Correct Answer is C
The parents report that the child injured herself by falling off the couch.
A spiral fracture is a type of broken bone that occurs when a twisting force is applied to the bone. It is often seen in cases of child abuse, where the abuser grabs and twists the child's arm or leg.
Choice A is not correct because bringing the child to the facility soon after the injury does not rule out abuse. The abuser may have done so to avoid suspicion or to prevent further complications.
Choice B is not correct because crying when the arm is examined is a normal reaction for a child who is in pain and scared. It does not indicate abuse or neglect.
Choice C is correct because it is unlikely that a fall from a couch would cause a spiral fracture of the ulna and radius. These bones are strong and require a lot of force to break. A fall from a couch would more likely cause a greenstick fracture, which is a partial break of the bone that occurs in children with flexible bones.
Choice D is not correct because a single injury does not exclude abuse. The child may have been abused before and healed without medical attention, or the abuser may have targeted only one part of the body. A single injury should still raise suspicion and prompt further investigation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When a patient with heart failure begins treatment with an ACE inhibitor, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the patient's blood pressure because ACE inhibitors can cause hypotension. Oxygen saturation, choice A, may be important to monitor in some cases, but it is not the priority in this situation. Level of consciousness, choice C, and assessment for nausea, choice D, may also be important but are not the priority assessments in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Whether the client is a danger to herself or others. When a client is involuntarily admitted to a mental health unit, they are held for an initial period of 72 hours for evaluation and treatment. Afterward, a determination must be made as to whether or not the client is still a danger to themselves or others to keep them in the hospital.
Choices A, C, and D do not address the primary concern of ongoing safety for the client and others.
For choice A, the client's financial status or their ability to pay for prescribed medications is not relevant to their safety or need for hospitalization.
For choice C, the client's ability to make arrangements to stay with someone is important for discharge planning but not for determining their need for ongoing hospitalization.
Finally, for choice D, whether the client is unwilling to accept treatment is important, but not the sole determining factor as to whether they are a danger to themselves or others.
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