The nurse is caring for a group of children on the pediatric unit. The nurse should collect further data and explore the possibility of child abuse (child mistreatment) in which situation?

Choice A reason: A compound tibia fracture from a skateboard flip is plausible, as high-impact activities can cause such injuries in active 9-year-olds. A spiral fracture with an inconsistent story raises more suspicion, making this less concerning and incorrect for prioritizing abuse investigation in the unit. Choice B reason: A simple femur fracture from falling down stairs aligns with common childhood accidents, especially in a 10-year-old. The spiral fracture’s implausible bat story is more suspicious, making this less indicative and incorrect compared to the need to investigate potential abuse in another case. Choice C reason: A spiral humerus fracture suggests twisting force, inconsistent with a bat swing by a peer, raising abuse concerns in a 7-year-old. This warrants further data collection, aligning with child maltreatment protocols, making it the correct situation for exploring possible mistreatment on the pediatric unit. Choice D reason: A greenstick wrist fracture from ice-skating is typical in a 6-year-old, as falls cause such incomplete breaks in flexible bones. The spiral fracture’s questionable explanation is more concerning, making this plausible and incorrect for prioritizing abuse investigation among the children.