Question

A child is brought to the emergency department after falling down the basement stairs. On assessment, what findings may cause the nurse to suspect child maltreatment? (Select all that apply.)

Option 1: The child's bruises are located only on the right arm and leg.
Option 2: The child is brought to the emergency department by an unrelated adult.
Option 3: The child has a history of a broken arm last year from falling off a swing.
Option 4: The child's caregiver is anxious that the child get immediate medical attention.
Option 5: The child has red, green, and yellow bruises on more than one plane of the body.

Answer 1

When assessing a child for possible child maltreatment, the nurse may suspect abuse based on findings such as bruises only on one side of the body, the child being brought in by an unrelated adult, and a history of previous injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a child for possible child maltreatment, there are several findings that may raise suspicion. These include:

1. The child's bruises being located only on one side of the body, such as the right arm and leg. This pattern of bruising may indicate that the child has been intentionally injured.
2. The child being brought to the emergency department by an unrelated adult. This could be a sign that the child is not being properly cared for by a trusted caregiver.
3. The child having a previous history of a broken bone from a similar mechanism of injury, such as falling off a swing. This may suggest a pattern of abuse or neglect.

It is important to note that these findings alone do not definitively confirm child maltreatment, but they may raise suspicion and warrant further investigation by healthcare professionals.