A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a group of children. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that one of the children is a potential victim of abuse?
Explanation & Rationale
A. A school-age child who cries when the nurse is giving him an injection: Crying during an injection is a normal reaction for a child and does not indicate abuse. B. A toddler who has multiple bruises on the shins of both legs and his parents report that he is clumsy: Bruises on the shins are common in toddlers due to normal play and falls. Without other concerning signs, this does not strongly indicate abuse. C. A preschooler who has a BMI indicating obesity: While childhood obesity can be a sign of neglect in some cases, it is not a specific or immediate indicator of abuse without other signs. D. An adolescent who asks to stay in the hospital because he likes the room: This is concerning because it might indicate that the adolescent is not feeling safe or comfortable at home, which could be a sign of abuse or neglect.