A nurse is collecting data from a child and notes the presence of bruises on her arms and legs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a rigid abdomen is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal lining, usually caused by an infection or a perforation of an organ. A client with peritonitis may also have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because dehydration is a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can happen with frequent and watery stools. A client with dehydration may also have dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, dark urine, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and confusion.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because hypothermia is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), usually due to exposure to cold environments or inadequate clothing. A client with hypothermia may also have shivering, slow breathing, slow pulse, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because decreased bowel sounds are not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Decreased bowel sounds may indicate ileus, which is a temporary paralysis of the intestinal movement, usually caused by surgery, medication, or inflammation. A client with ileus may also have abdominal distension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice A reason: If client is uninsured the ED can decline to render services is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that contradicts the purpose and the provision of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must provide an appropriate medical screening examination to anyone who requests it, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Choice B reason: The ED has the right to refuse to provide client services is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that violates the principle and the requirement of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department has a duty to provide stabilizing treatment to any individual who has an emergency medical condition or is in active labor, unless an appropriate transfer is arranged.

Choice C reason: The ED can transfer medically unstable clients to other facilities is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that breaches the rule and the regulation of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must not transfer an individual who has an emergency medical condition or is in active labor, unless the transfer is requested by the individual or their representative, or the transfer meets certain criteria, such as the benefits outweigh the risks, the receiving facility has agreed to accept the transfer, and the transfer is effected by qualified personnel and equipment.
Choice D reason: Clients must receive a medical screening evaluation (MSE) is an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a true statement that reflects the essence and the standard of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must provide an appropriate medical screening examination to anyone who comes to the emergency department and requests examination or treatment for a medical condition, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists