The nurse is assisting with patient data collection in a clinic. The nurse is assigned to a young female patient who has an older male friend present at her bedside. The patient is nervous, timid, very thin, and with poor hygiene and lets the friend answer all of the nurse's questions. What actions should the nurse take?

Explanation:

A. A 6-year-old child with a spiral fracture of the tibia and fibula, reportedly occurring while riding a bicycle:

While a spiral fracture can be concerning, it is also a common injury seen in children due to falls or accidents during physical activities such as riding a bicycle. Without further evidence or suspicion, this may not immediately indicate physical abuse.

B. A 14-month-old toddler reportedly learning to walk and has several bruises on bony prominences of the lower legs and elbows:

Bruises on bony prominences can be common in toddlers who are learning to walk and explore their environment. These bruises are often seen on areas such as the lower legs and elbows. Without additional concerning signs or patterns, this may not indicate physical abuse.

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

Near drowning incidents can occur accidentally, especially in curious and mobile infants who may explore their surroundings. While this is a serious event, it does not necessarily suggest physical abuse unless there are other suspicious findings or a history of non-accidental injuries.

D. 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, especially over sensitive areas like the face and chest, can raise concerns about physical abuse, especially when the reported mechanism of injury (spilling a cup of tea) seems inconsistent or disproportionate to the severity of the burns. The pattern and location of burns may not align with accidental spillage, leading to suspicion of abuse.

Explanation:

A. "I will keep my walker at the end of my bed."

Keeping the walker at the end of the bed is generally a good practice for accessibility and mobility support, especially for clients who use walkers to assist with walking. However, this statement alone does not directly address falls prevention strategies or indicate a comprehensive understanding of home safety measures related to falls.

B. "I will place an area rug at the entry of my bathroom."

Placing an area rug at the entry of the bathroom can actually increase the risk of falls rather than prevent them. Area rugs are common tripping hazards, especially in areas where water or moisture may be present (like bathrooms). This statement indicates a potential misunderstanding of falls prevention strategies because it suggests an action that could contribute to falls rather than prevent them.

C. "I will place a bath seat in my shower to use when I bathe."

This statement demonstrates a clear understanding of falls prevention strategies. Placing a bath seat in the shower is a proactive measure to enhance safety during bathing, as it provides stability and reduces the risk of slipping and falling on wet surfaces. Using assistive devices like a bath seat is recommended for individuals with a history of falls or balance issues.

D. "I will keep the fluorescent ceiling light on in my room at night."

Keeping the room well-lit at night is beneficial for falls prevention, as adequate lighting can help individuals see potential hazards and navigate their environment safely. While this statement reflects a general awareness of falls prevention principles related to lighting, it is not as specific or directly related to falls prevention during activities like bathing (as mentioned in option C).