A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a group of children. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that one of the children is a potential victim of abuse?

A.While childhood obesity is a health concern, it is not a specific indicator of abuse. Obesity can result from dietary habits, lack of physical activity, or medical conditions.

B.Fear of injections is common in children and is a typical developmental response. Crying during an injection is not an indicator of abuse and is expected behavior for many children.

C.While this finding alone does not confirm abuse, it may indicate an underlying issue in the adolescent's home environment. It requires further exploration through careful, open-ended questioning to assess for potential emotional or physical abuse or neglect.

D.Bruising on the shins of toddlers is common due to normal play and falls during development. The explanation provided by the parents aligns with typical toddler behavior and does not raise immediate concerns for abuse unless the bruises are in unusual locations (e.g., abdomen, back, or thighs).

Explanation:

A. Re-collection of data:

This step involves gathering additional information or data about the client's condition. It may be necessary if there are new developments, changes in the client's status, or if the initial data collected was insufficient or inaccurate. Re-collection of data helps ensure that the nurse has comprehensive and accurate information to base the care plan on.

B. Implementation:

Implementation is the phase where the nurse puts the planned interventions into action. This step involves performing nursing actions, administering treatments or medications, providing education and support to the client and their family, and collaborating with other healthcare team members. The nurse follows the care plan developed during the planning phase to address the client's needs and achieve desired outcomes.

C. Evaluation:

Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client's response to interventions and the effectiveness of the care provided. The nurse compares the client's actual outcomes with the expected outcomes identified during the planning phase. If the outcomes are met, the plan may continue as is or be modified for ongoing care. If the outcomes are not met, the nurse revises the plan as necessary to improve client outcomes.

D. Data Collection:

Data collection is the initial step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers information about the client's health status, including physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors. This step involves conducting assessments, gathering medical history, reviewing laboratory and diagnostic tests, and obtaining information from the client and their family. Data collection forms the basis for identifying nursing diagnoses, developing care plans, and implementing appropriate interventions.