A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a preschooler who has a facial laceration. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a potential indication of child sexual abuse?

Choice A rationale:

The provider does not choose a client's healthcare surrogate. Advance directives, including the appointment of a healthcare surrogate, allow individuals to make their own decisions about their medical treatment if they become unable to communicate their wishes. Clients have the right to designate their healthcare surrogate based on their preferences and values. This statement is incorrect as it misrepresents the purpose of advance directives.

Choice B rationale:

A healthcare surrogate does not need to be a family member. The choice of a healthcare surrogate is a personal decision made by the individual. It can be a family member, friend, or any other person whom the individual trusts to make medical decisions on their behalf. There is no requirement that the surrogate must be a family member.

Choice C rationale:

The provider cannot go against the client's wishes regarding advance directives. Advance directives are legally binding documents that outline the individual's preferences for medical treatment, including decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining interventions. Healthcare providers are ethically and legally obligated to respect and follow the directives outlined by the client. Going against the client's wishes would be a violation of their autonomy and legal rights.

Choice D rationale:

The client can resume control of healthcare decisions after a temporary loss of competency if specified in the advance directives. Advance directives often include provisions stating that the individual's decision-making capacity should be

A. Assess peripheral circulation hourly. This is correct because clients with SCD are at risk of vaso-occlusive crisis, which can impair blood flow to the extremities and cause tissue ischemia and necrosis. The nurse should monitor for signs of poor circulation such as pallor, coolness, numbness, or pain.

B. Assess the client's mouth every 8 hr. This is correct because clients with SCD are prone to oral ulcers, infections, and dental problems due to chronic anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to the oral mucosa. The nurse should inspect the mouth for lesions, bleeding, inflammation, or infection and provide oral hygiene as needed.

C. Use humidification with oxygen therapy. Administer IV fluids. This is correct because clients with SCD need adequate hydration and oxygenation to prevent sickling of red blood cells and further complications. Humidification helps moisten the airways and prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes. IV fluids help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and reduce blood viscosity.

D. Raise the knee position on the client's bed. This is incorrect because this can impede venous return and worsen peripheral circulation. The nurse should keep the client's extremities in a neutral position and avoid tight or restrictive clothing or devices.

E. Use an automated blood pressure cuff on the client's arm. Prepare for platelet transfusion. This is incorrect because this can cause mechanical trauma to the arm and trigger a vasoocclusive crisis. The nurse should use a manual blood pressure cuff and avoid applying pressure to the arm. Platelet transfusion is not indicated for clients with SCD unless they have thrombocytopenia or bleeding.