Question

A parent brings a preschooler to the emergency department for treatment of a dislocated shoulder, which allegedly happened when the child fell down the stairs. Which action should make the nurse suspect that the child was abused?

a) The child cries uncontrollably throughout the examination.
b) The child pulls away from the contact with the doctor.
c) The child does not cry when the shoulder is examined.
d) The child has visible bruises on other body parts.

Answer 1

The nurse should suspect that the child was abused if the child has visible bruises on other body parts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action that should make the nurse suspect that the child was abused is option d) The child has visible bruises on other body parts. Physical abuse in children can result in visible bruises or injuries on different parts of their body. In this case, if the child has bruises on other body parts apart from the dislocated shoulder, it suggests that the child may have been physically abused. It is important for healthcare professionals to be alert to signs of abuse and to report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities.