A nurse is assisting with the development of an education program about child maltreatment. Which of the following findings should the nurse include in the program as a possible indication of sexual abuse?

A. Collect a stool specimen for occult blood: A stool specimen for occult blood is typically used to check for hidden blood in the stool, which might suggest conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding or certain infections. It is not the primary test for diagnosing C. difficile infection.

B. Draw a blood culture: Blood cultures are used to identify bacteria or other pathogens in the blood, but they are not appropriate for diagnosing Clostridium difficile infection, which primarily affects the gastrointestinal system.

C. Conduct a tape test: A tape test is used for diagnosing pinworm infections, not for Clostridium difficile. It involves placing a piece of tape on the child's anal area to collect eggs for examination under a microscope. It is not relevant to the suspicion of C. difficile.

D. Obtain a stool specimen for culture: The most appropriate action is to collect a stool specimen for culture to identify C. difficile. The diagnosis of C. difficile infection is typically confirmed by stool testing, which may include testing for toxins produced by the bacteria.

A. Show the child's parent how to release tension on the bars: The tension on the halo vest is adjusted by the healthcare provider, not by the parent. The nurse should not instruct the parent to release tension, as improper adjustments can lead to complications.

B. Remove the vest for the child to sleep at night: The halo vest should remain in place at all times, including during sleep, to maintain proper cervical traction and stabilization. Removing it may interfere with the healing process and cause further injury.

C. Check the child's pupillary response: Monitoring the pupillary response is important in a child with cervical traction to assess for any neurological changes. It helps identify signs of increased intracranial pressure or other neurological complications.

D. Apply a cervical collar if the child reports neck pain: The halo vest itself is designed to stabilize the neck, and the application of a cervical collar without provider guidance could interfere with the proper use of the traction system.