A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to local authorities?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A 4-year-old preschooler who has a rivalry with their siblings is incorrect. Sibling rivalry is a normal part of child development and does not indicate abuse or neglect that would require reporting. B. A 24-month-old toddler who experiences occasional incontinence is incorrect. Occasional incontinence is developmentally appropriate for a 2-year-old and is not a concern for mandatory reporting. C. A 6-month-old infant who has a spiral fracture to a lower extremity is correct. Spiral fractures in non-ambulatory infants are highly suspicious for non-accidental trauma (child abusE. and should be reported to local authorities for further investigation. These fractures are often caused by twisting forces rather than accidental injuries. D. A 9-month-old infant who has been exposed to bedbugs and has cellulitis is incorrect. While bedbug exposure and cellulitis require medical treatment and possibly social support, they do not necessarily indicate abuse or neglect that mandates reporting.