The nurse is assessing a child in the emergency department with a fractured tibia. The medical record shows the client was recently discharged for a fracture to the radius and clavicle.
The nurse is suspicious for
The nurse is assessing a child in the emergency department with a fractured tibia. The medical record shows the client was recently discharged for a fracture to the radius and clavicle.
The nurse is suspicious for
A. neglect.
[5%]
B. psychological abuse.
[1%]
C. physical abuse.
[90%]
D. osteosarcoma.
[4%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Musculoskeletal
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Abuse/Neglect
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Physical abuse is any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person. This would be concerning for the child, who was recently seen for another fracture. The nurse should perform a child abuse assessment and share the results with the physician.
Choice A is incorrect. Neglect is to fail to care for properly. This could be manifested by poor hygiene, ill-fitting clothes, or malnourishment, but it would not be what the nurse suspects upon seeing a client recently discharged with another fracture.
Choice B is incorrect. The client's injury is physical and not psychological. Psychological abuse may be evident; however, based on the provided evidence, the client more than likely has sustained physical abuse.
Choice D is incorrect. Osteosarcoma could cause a pathologic fracture to a bone. However, this fracture would be localized and not impact other areas. Abuse is concerning in this situation unless the child has some other disorder, such as Paget's disease.
Related Videos
4 Key Topics
Fractures- Pediatrics
31.13 Musculoskeletal Injuries & Disorders
Nonaccidental Trauma & Suspicious Injuries
31.14 Safety & Abuse Concerns
Additional Info
✓ Child abuse may be physical, emotional, or sexual.
✓ Physical child abuse may cause a child to have unexplained injuries, social withdrawal, emotional instability, and fear of the abuser.
