A nurse in a special education program is planning care for a child who has an autism spectrum disorder.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale: The initial step in assessing unexplained bruising in a toddler is to gather information directly from the caregivers. This establishes a clinical baseline and allows the nurse to evaluate consistency, plausibility, and emotional responses. Bruising in toddlers can be developmental due to increased mobility, but patterns, location, and frequency matter. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000/mm³; abnormal bruising may suggest thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, or trauma. Early dialogue supports accurate documentation and escalation if needed.

Choice B rationale: While engaging the toddler may seem appropriate, their developmental stage limits reliable verbal communication. Toddlers typically lack the cognitive and linguistic capacity to describe events accurately, especially those involving trauma or abuse. Their responses may be influenced by fear, confusion, or limited vocabulary. Relying on their account prematurely risks misinterpretation and emotional distress. Assessment should prioritize adult sources first, followed by observational and clinical data to guide further action.

Choice C rationale: Notifying social services is a critical step in suspected abuse but must follow preliminary assessment and documentation. Premature reporting without context may lead to unnecessary distress for the family and compromise the integrity of the investigation. The nurse must first gather objective findings, caregiver explanations, and clinical indicators. Social services involvement is warranted when findings suggest non-accidental trauma, inconsistent histories, or high-risk environments. The decision must be evidence-informed and procedurally sound.

Choice D rationale: Notifying the provider is essential for collaborative care but should follow initial data collection. The provider relies on the nurse’s observations and caregiver input to determine next steps, including diagnostic testing or referral. Immediate escalation without context may delay appropriate triage or misdirect resources. The nurse’s role includes thorough documentation, pattern recognition, and initiating dialogue with caregivers to inform the provider’s clinical judgment. This ensures a coordinated, evidence-based response.

The correct answer is choice D: Pediculosis capitis.

Choice D rationale: Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice, which causes symptoms such as white flakes that do not brush off the hair easily and a rash on the back of the neck. These symptoms are due to the lice feeding on the scalp and laying eggs (nits), which can cause itching and irritation.

Choice A rationale: Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections. While it can cause a rash, it is not characterized by white flakes in the hair.

Choice B rationale: Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that causes scaly, itchy patches on the scalp. It may lead to hair loss in the affected areas, but it does not typically cause white flakes that do not brush off the hair.

Choice C rationale: Impetigo contagiosa is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes blisters or sores on the skin. It does not involve white flakes in the hair and primarily affects exposed skin rather than the scalp.