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    Health And Wellness (Maternity And Pediatrics Exam) Proctored Exam Soft
    Select All That Apply

    Which observations would alert the nurse to suspect maltreatment of an 11-month old infant who is brought to the pediatric clinic weighing 4167 grams? Select all that apply.

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A rationale Frequent rocking motions are a common and normal self-soothing or comforting behavior observed in infants and young children, especially when they are tired or attempting to fall asleep. This developmental behavior does not generally indicate neglect or physical abuse and is not a sign that should raise suspicion of maltreatment. Choice B rationale Adequate personal hygiene, such as a clean body and clothes, is an expected finding in a cared-for infant and would suggest appropriate parental attention to the child's basic needs. Therefore, this finding would be reassuring and would not alert the nurse to suspect neglect or maltreatment. Choice C rationale Social unresponsiveness, such as a lack of expected eye contact, smiling, or vocalizations (cooing/babbling) when interacted with, can be a sign of developmental delay or emotional neglect. This behavior suggests the infant may not be receiving adequate social and emotional stimulation, which is a form of maltreatment. Choice D rationale Stranger anxiety is a normal developmental milestone that typically emerges around 6 to 9 months of age, indicating a secure attachment to the primary caregiver. An 11-month-old exhibiting this behavior is developmentally appropriate, and it would not be a sign of suspected maltreatment or abuse. Choice E rationale Disproportion in weight and length, particularly low weight for length (failure to thrive), suggests chronic inadequate caloric intake due to nutritional neglect. The infant's weight of 4167 grams (4.167 kg) is very low for an 11-month-old (expected average weight is 8.5 to 10 kg), strongly indicating potential nutritional neglect. Choice F rationale Inappropriate clothing for the weather, such as dressing the infant in light clothing during cold conditions, suggests parental inattention to the infant's basic physical needs, specifically thermoregulation. This lack of attention to safety and basic comfort is a key indicator that can alert the nurse to potential neglect.

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