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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Answer: B. 6-year-old child who has a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, which reportedly occurred while riding a bicycle.

Rationale:

A) 3-year-old toddler with scalding burns over the face and chest reportedly sustained when the child pulled on a tablecloth, spilling a cup of tea on himself:

Scalding burns in young children can be accidental, especially if the burns are consistent with typical patterns seen in such accidents. However, burns covering a large area, especially on the face and chest, may warrant further investigation to rule out abuse, particularly if the explanation seems inconsistent with the injury.

B) 6-year-old child who has a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, which reportedly occurred while riding a bicycle:

A spiral fracture is often associated with a twisting or rotational force, which is less common in typical bicycle accidents. Spiral fractures in children can be indicative of physical abuse, particularly if the explanation for the injury does not fit the typical mechanisms of injury associated with the reported activity. This type of fracture should prompt a thorough evaluation for possible abuse.

C) 14-month-old toddler who is reportedly learning to walk and has several bruises on bony prominences of the lower legs and elbows:

Bruises on bony prominences are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and are prone to minor falls. This pattern of bruising is usually consistent with typical developmental activities rather than abuse. However, repeated or severe bruising should still be evaluated carefully.

D) 9-month-old infant who sustained near drowning when he reportedly climbed into the tub and turned on the water:

While near drowning in an infant is a serious concern, it is less likely to be related to physical abuse if the explanation involves an accidental event. A thorough assessment is necessary to ensure safety and prevent further incidents, but the described scenario is not as indicative of abuse as a spiral fracture.

A. Amnesia. B. Tachycardia. C. Altered level of consciousness. D. Hypotension.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Altered level of consciousness (LOC). Increased ICP can cause decreased LOC or changes in mental status, including confusion, agitation, or coma.

Options A, amnesia, and B, tachycardia, are not necessarily indicative of increased ICP, while option D, hypotension, is actually a sign of decreased ICP. Monitoring for elevated ICP is critical in patients with traumatic brain injury, and early recognition and intervention can be lifesaving. The nurse should report any changes in the patient's level of consciousness or other neurological symptoms to the provider immediately.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for four clients at an urgent care center. Which of the following clients should the nurse suspect has been physically abused?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has depressive disorder, is in alcohol withdrawal, and reports a recent job loss. Which of the following should be the priority nursing intervention?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for alprazolam 0.25 mg PO every 8 hr PRN anxiety. For which of the following situations should the nurse administer the alprazolam?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is admitted to undergo a left lobectomy to treat lung cancer. The client tells the nurse that she is scared and wishes she had never smoked. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a client in an acute care mental health unit who was involuntarily admitted for 72 hr after attacking a neighbor. To keep the client in the hospital when the initial time to hold the client expires, which of the following must be determined?

A nurse is discussing comorbidities associated with eating disorders with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following comorbidities should the nurse include in the discussion? (Select all that apply.)

The home health nurse visits a patient with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. The patient reports a history of vomiting and diarrhea and tells the nurse that no food has been consumed for the last 24 hours. Which additional statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who reports a state of increasing anxiety and the inability to sleep and concentrate. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

A nurse is helping a client relieve stress through cognitive reframing. Which of the following actions by the client demonstrates effective use of cognitive reframing?