Final answer:
A nurse should identify a toddler wearing dirty clothes and appearing unbathed as a possible sign of neglect, which is a form of child maltreatment. While other options provided might not indicate abuse themselves, they should be monitored as part of a broader assessment of the child's wellbeing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the scenarios provided, the nurse should identify (b) the toddler wearing dirty clothes and not having been bathed in several days as a possible indication of child maltreatment. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse and involves the failure of a parent or guardian to provide for the basic needs of a child, which can lead to hazardous levels of neglect. While a single incident of a child wearing dirty clothes may not be definitive proof of neglect, it can serve as a warning sign, especially if there are other indications such as the child consistently appearing unkempt or signs of poor hygiene. On the other hand, a bruise resulting from a typical play activity such as falling off a swing (option a), a child's behavior being quiet or withdrawn without other signs of abuse (option c), and the child having a healthy weight and being up-to-date with immunizations (option d) are not necessarily indicative of maltreatment.
Child welfare services may intervene if information or assistance from public or private services are available and a parent fails to use those services. Furthermore, with avoidant attachment, a child's unresponsiveness could indicate possible maltreatment, but this must be assessed in a larger context of the child's interactions and behavior. Therefore, careful monitoring and assessment is essential for a nurse when identifying potential cases of child maltreatment.