The mother of an 8-year-old boy tells the practical nurse (PN) that he fell out of a tree and hurt his arm and shoulder. Which assessment finding should the PN note as the most significant indicator of possible child abuse?
The mother refuses to answer questions about family history.
The child has several abrasions on the chest and legs.
The child looks at the floor when answering the nurse's questions.
The mother's version of the injury is different from the child's version.
The Correct Answer is D
In cases of suspected child abuse, inconsistencies or discrepancies between the child's account of the injury and the caregiver's version are concerning. It raises questions about the credibility of the explanation provided by the caregiver and suggests a possible attempt to conceal the true cause of the injury. Such discrepancies may indicate that the injury was intentionally inflicted or that the child is being coerced or influenced to provide a false account.
While the other assessment findings may raise some level of concern, they are not as significant as the discrepancy between the child's and mother's versions of the injury:
A. "The mother refuses to answer questions about family history." While this behavior may raise some suspicion or cause for further investigation, it alone does not conclusively indicate child abuse. It may be related to other factors such as privacy concerns or cultural differences.
B. "The child has several abrasions on the chest and legs." While the presence of abrasions can be concerning, they alone do not provide sufficient evidence of child abuse. Children are prone to injuries and can obtain abrasions during normal play and activities.
C. "The child looks at the floor when answering the nurse's questions." This behavior may suggest shyness, anxiety, or discomfort, but it is not a definitive indicator of child abuse. Some children may exhibit such behaviors due to their personality or other factors unrelated to abuse. It is important to consider the child's overall behavior and communication patterns in conjunction with other assessment findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Croup is a viral infection that affects the upper airways, causing inflammation and narrowing of the air passages. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory distress, including increased work of breathing and decreased oxygen saturation levels. Monitoring the child's oxygen saturation level using a pulse oximeter is an essential intervention to assess the severity of respiratory distress and the need for further interventions.

A. Encouraging the child to drink cool, clear liquids can help soothe the throat and prevent dehydration.
B. Instructing the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction can help provide comfort and alleviate anxiety.
D. Administering acetaminophen as needed (PRN) can help reduce fever and discomfort. However, none of these interventions directly address the potential respiratory distress and the need for oxygenation assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the action that the PN should implement when assessing a client with an indwelling urinary catheter and observing that the catheter drainage bag, which is half-full, is attached to the side rail and the tubing is looped on the bed. Attaching the drainage bag to the bed frame ensures that the bag is below the level of the bladder and prevents backflow of urine, which can cause infection or obstruction. The PN should also straighten the tubing and avoid any kinks or loops that may interfere with the drainage.
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