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A toddler is diagnosed with a dislocated right shoulder and a simple fracture of the right humerus. Which behavior most stronglysuggests that the child's injuries stem from abuse?

1. Trying to sit up on the stretcher




2. Trying to move away from the nurse




3. Not answering the nurse's questions




4. Not crying when moved

User Alaster
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The most indicative behavior of abuse in a toddler with a dislocated shoulder and a simple fracture is not crying when moved, suggesting an atypical response to pain or a disorganized attachment style possibly due to abuse. Non-accidental trauma should be considered, especially without a clear accidental cause.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior that most strongly suggests a child's injuries stem from abuse is number 4, Not crying when moved. It's unusual for a toddler with a dislocated shoulder and a simple fracture of the right humerus not to cry due to the pain when being moved. Considering the research showing that abuse disrupts a child's ability to regulate their emotions, a lack of crying could indicate that the child has experienced abuse and may have developed an atypical response to pain or a disorganized attachment style.

Injuries such as a dislocated shoulder or a humerus fracture can happen due to falls or accidents, often involving a significant force such as landing on an outstretched arm. However, in the absence of a credible accident report, these injuries, especially in combination and in a non-mobile toddler, could be suggestive of non-accidental trauma.

Moreover, given that a toddler's cry is often a trigger for shaking or other violent actions, it's important that healthcare professionals consider the possibility of shaken-baby syndrome or other forms of abuse when encountering such injuries without a clear accidental cause.

User Aphoria
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