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?

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.

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.