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 D
Explanation
This is the action that the PN should implement for a male client who has just been told he has cancer and asks to be left alone. Leaving the room after offering to return later respects the client's autonomy and privacy, while also showing empathy and availability. The client may need some time and space to process the diagnosis and cope with his emotions. The PN should not force the client to talk or stay with him if he does not want to, but should also not abandon him or ignore his needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The client's question about whether the surgical opening will be visible suggests that they have concerns or misconceptions about the upcoming fecal diversion surgery. By reviewing the client's expectations of elimination after surgery, the PN can provide accurate information and address any anxieties or concerns the client may have.
The other options are not directly related to the client's question and are not the most appropriate actions to take in this situation:
A. Determining if this is the client's first indwelling catheter is unrelated to the client's question about the visibility of the surgical opening. It may be important to assess the client's history of urinary catheter use for other purposes, but it does not address the client's immediate concern.
B. Asking the client if they finished the bowel sterilization prescription is also unrelated to the visibility of the surgical opening. While bowel sterilization may be a part of the preoperative preparation for fecal diversion surgery, it does not address the client's questions and concerns.
D. Verifying that the client had nothing by mouth (NPO) for the past 24 hours is important for general preoperative care but does not address the client's specific question about the visibility of the surgical opening.
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