Question

The emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child suspected of being sexually abused. which assessment data obtained by the nurse most likely support this suspicion?

1.Poor hygiene
2.Difficulty walking
3.Fear of the parents
4.Bald spots on the scalp

Answer 1

Among the presented assessment data, difficulty walking is most indicative of child sexual abuse. Other signs such as poor hygiene and fear of parents may suggest different abuse forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child suspected of being sexually abused. Among the assessment data presented, difficulty walking is the most likely to support the suspicion of sexual abuse. This can be an indicator of potential trauma. Poor hygiene, fear of the parents, and bald spots on the scalp, while concerning and possibly indicative of other forms of abuse or neglect, are not as specifically suggestive of sexual abuse as difficulty walking might be.

It is important to note that child abuse can take multiple forms, and a child may experience several kinds. The long-term effects of such abuse are significant, affecting a child's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. A comprehensive assessment considering all potential indicators is crucial for the correct identification and intervention to protect the child's health and safety.