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?
3-year-old toddler with scalding burns over the face and chest reportedly sustained when the child pulled on tablecloth, spilling a cup of tea on himself.
6-year-old child who has a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, which reportedly occurred while riding a bicycle.
14-month-old toddler who is reportedly learning to walk and has several bruises on bony prominences of the lower legs and elbows.
9-month-old infant who sustained near drowning when he reportedly climbed into the tub and turned on the water.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
choice C, "I have heard that abusers think of themselves as important and have high self-esteem." This statement is incorrect and shows the nurse may need further education on the characteristics of an abuser. Abusers often lack self-esteem and feel powerless, using abuse as a way to gain control and confidence. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements and do not indicate the need for further education.
For choice A, abusers often isolate their partner to gain control over them. For choice B, abusers may lack social support and social skills, leading to violent behavior.
For choice D, abusers use intimidation tactics to maintain power in the relationship.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A therapeutic response to the client's statement would be to acknowledge that the client feels helpless about the behavior. The nurse should avoid judging or criticizing the client and instead focus on offering support and empathy.
Options A and B are not therapeutic because they are confrontational and may make the client defensive. Option C is a well-intentioned but empty statement that does not offer any practical support or guidance to the client.
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