A nurse is caring for a client following reported physical abuse. The client is quiet and withdrawn. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Difficulty maintaining sustained attention is a common manifestation of ADHD, according to the American Psychiatric Association and the CDC. This means that people with ADHD often have trouble focusing on tasks or activities for a long period of time, especially if they are boring or tedious.

The other choices are not manifestations of ADHD, but of other conditions or problems. Here are some reasons why:

Choice A: Difficulty using words in context is not a symptom of ADHD, but of a language disorder or a learning disability that affects communication skills.

Choice B: Difficulty performing self-grooming activities is not a symptom of ADHD, but of a physical disability, a mental health disorder, or a lack of motivation or self-care.

Choice C: Difficulty in acquiring reading skills is not a symptom of ADHD, but of dyslexia, which is a specific learning disability that affects reading and spelling.

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.