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 nurse Joy make to suspect that the child was abused?
a. The child cries uncontrollably throughout the examination
b. The child pulls away from contact with the physician
c. The child doesn’t cry when the shoulder is examined
d. The child doesn’t make eye contact with the nurse
Answer C.
A characteristic behavior of abused children is lack of crying when they undergo a painful procedure or are examined by a health care professional. Therefore, the nurse should suspect child abuse. Crying throughout the examination, pulling away from the physician, and not making eye contact with the nurse are normal behaviors for preschoolers.
a. The child cries uncontrollably throughout the examination
b. The child pulls away from contact with the physician
c. The child doesn’t cry when the shoulder is examined
d. The child doesn’t make eye contact with the nurse
Answer C.
A characteristic behavior of abused children is lack of crying when they undergo a painful procedure or are examined by a health care professional. Therefore, the nurse should suspect child abuse. Crying throughout the examination, pulling away from the physician, and not making eye contact with the nurse are normal behaviors for preschoolers.
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Psychosocial Integrity