A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client. Nurses' Notes.

1200:.

Client is an 82-year-old male who presents with his adult child for evaluation of right arm pain after a fall. Client noted to have several superficial abrasions on right forearm and elbow. Also has numerous bruises in various stages of healing on arms and upper chest. Client rates pain in right lower forearm an 8 on a 0 to 10 pain scale and is not moving the arm.

1210:.

Client noted to keep head down and makes limited eye contact. Speaks very softly and looks at adult child before answering interview questions. Has strong body odor and clothes are unclean. Client's adult child answers most questions. Client grimacing and guarding right arm.

Client weighed, is 56.2 kg (124 lb) and 175 cm (69 in) tall. BMI 18.3.

1230:.

Client's adult child left facility to go home and get the client’s prescribed medications. Client visibly more relaxed and now speaking more openly to staff with improved eye contact. Client reports that he has lived with his adult child for the past several.

Vital Signs. 1200:.

Temperature 36.7° C (98° F). Heart rate 96/min.

Blood pressure 142/96 mm Hg. Respiratory rate 16/min.

SpO2 97% on room air.

The nurse is preparing to speak to the facility's Social Worker about the client's condition.

Select the 5 findings the nurse should plan to include in the report.

The correct answer is C. Explain to the child what will happen when the abuse is reported.

This is because the nurse should provide honest and accurate information to the child about the reporting process and the possible outcomes, such as legal actions, investigations, or removal from the home.

This can help the child feel more prepared and less anxious about what will happen next. The nurse should also reassure the child that the abuse is not their fault and that they did the right thing by telling someone.

Choice A is wrong because reassuring the child that no one will be told about the abuse is unethical and illegal.

The nurse has a mandatory duty to report any suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. Keeping the abuse a secret can also endanger the child’s safety and well-being, as well as prevent them from receiving the necessary medical and psychological care.

Choice B is wrong because ensuring that multiple nurses are present for the physical examination can increase the child’s fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

The nurse should minimize the number of people involved in the examination and only include those who are essential for providing care or collecting evidence. The nurse should also explain to the child what will be done during the examination and obtain their consent before proceeding.

Choice D is wrong because using leading statements to obtain information from the child can influence their responses and affect the validity of their testimony.

The nurse should use open-ended questions and avoid suggesting or implying any details about the abuse. The nurse should also document the child’s statements verbatim and avoid interpreting or paraphrasing them.

Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body temperature is abnormally high, usually due to exposure to heat, infection, or certain medications.

Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.

Choice A is wrong because covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket would increase the body temperature and worsen hyperthermia. The nurse should remove excess clothing and use cooling measures, such as fans, ice packs, or cool fluids.

Choice B is wrong because submerging the adolescent’s feet in ice water would cause vasoconstriction and shivering, which would reduce heat loss and increase heat production. The nurse should avoid using extreme cold or ice water to cool the body.

Choice D is wrong because administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications.

Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.

Normal body temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). Hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature above 38.5°C (101.3°F).