A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and is agitated. The client says, "I have to go home and see my mother." The nurse replies, "You miss your mother." Which of the following therapeutic techniques is the nurse using?

Answer: B. 6-year-old child who has a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, which reportedly occurred while riding a bicycle.

Rationale:

A) 3-year-old toddler with scalding burns over the face and chest reportedly sustained when the child pulled on a tablecloth, spilling a cup of tea on himself:

Scalding burns in young children can be accidental, especially if the burns are consistent with typical patterns seen in such accidents. However, burns covering a large area, especially on the face and chest, may warrant further investigation to rule out abuse, particularly if the explanation seems inconsistent with the injury.

B) 6-year-old child who has a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, which reportedly occurred while riding a bicycle:

A spiral fracture is often associated with a twisting or rotational force, which is less common in typical bicycle accidents. Spiral fractures in children can be indicative of physical abuse, particularly if the explanation for the injury does not fit the typical mechanisms of injury associated with the reported activity. This type of fracture should prompt a thorough evaluation for possible abuse.

C) 14-month-old toddler who is reportedly learning to walk and has several bruises on bony prominences of the lower legs and elbows:

Bruises on bony prominences are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and are prone to minor falls. This pattern of bruising is usually consistent with typical developmental activities rather than abuse. However, repeated or severe bruising should still be evaluated carefully.

D) 9-month-old infant who sustained near drowning when he reportedly climbed into the tub and turned on the water:

While near drowning in an infant is a serious concern, it is less likely to be related to physical abuse if the explanation involves an accidental event. A thorough assessment is necessary to ensure safety and prevent further incidents, but the described scenario is not as indicative of abuse as a spiral fracture.

Moderate. According to the Mayo Clinic moderate anxiety is characterized by symptoms such as loud and rapid speech, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased worry. The client's behavior matches these symptoms, indicating that they are experiencing moderate anxiety.

Choice B. Panic is incorrect because panic is a severe form of anxiety that involves symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, and a sense of impending doom. The client does not exhibit these symptoms.

Choice C. Severe is incorrect because severe anxiety is marked by symptoms such as irrational fear, detachment from reality, hallucinations, and loss of control¹². The client does not show these symptoms.

Choice D. Mild is incorrect because mild anxiety is associated with symptoms such as nervousness, increased alertness, and slight discomfort¹². The client's symptoms are more intense than mild anxiety.