A fifteen-year-old has been injured during football practice and has been taken to the hospital via ambulance. Providers have been unable to speak to parents despite several attempts to contact them. The youth needs emergency surgery, and understands the risks and benefits of the surgery. Which action is most appropriate at this time?

Choice A reason: A consistent growth pattern on the 25th percentile is not an indicator of child abuse. It means that the child is growing normally and is within the expected range for their age and gender.

Choice B reason: A contusion on the child's leg is not necessarily an indicator of child abuse. It could be a result of accidental injury or normal play. However, the nurse should assess the location, size, shape, and color of the bruise, and compare it with the parents' explanation.

Choice C reason: Fearful behavior when the nurse enters the room is not a specific indicator of child abuse. It could be a sign of anxiety, shyness, or discomfort in an unfamiliar setting. The nurse should try to establish rapport with the child and use developmentally appropriate communication techniques.

Choice D reason: An inconsistent story on the child's injury is a strong indicator of child abuse. It suggests that the parents are trying to hide or cover up the cause of the injury, or that they are not aware of how the injury occurred. The nurse should document the discrepancies and report any suspicions of abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because the girl's symptoms indicate that she may have epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the epiglottis and obstructs the airway. The nurse should be prepared for a possible intubation or tracheostomy.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because making the girl lie down and rest quietly may worsen her respiratory distress and anxiety. The girl should be allowed to sit in a position of comfort and ease of breathing.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because a thorough neurological assessment is not the priority in this situation. The nurse should focus on the girl's airway, breathing, and circulation.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because auscultating the lungs and preparing for administering oxygen may not be sufficient to manage the girl's airway obstruction. The nurse should also have emergency equipment ready and call for assistance.