Choice A Reason: Reporting the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities is an important action that the nurse should take, but it is not the first priority. The nurse should first ensure the safety and comfort of the child.

Choice B Reason: Documenting the findings and interventions in the medical record is an essential action that the nurse should take, but it is not the first priority. The nurse should first ensure the safety and comfort of the child.

Choice C Reason: Providing emotional support and reassurance to the child is the first action that the nurse should take, as it helps to establish trust and rapport with the child, reduce anxiety and fear, and prevent further psychological trauma.

Choice D Reason: Obtaining a detailed history of the injuries from the child and the caregiver is a necessary action that the nurse should take, but it is not the first priority. The nurse should first ensure the safety and comfort of the child.

Choice A Reason: Asking open-ended questions such as "How do you feel about what happened to you?" is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the client, as it allows the client to express her feelings and emotions without judgment or interruption.

Choice B Reason: Telling the client what she should do, such as "You should leave your partner as soon as possible." is an inappropriate statement that the nurse should avoid in therapeutic communication with the client, as it implies that the nurse knows what is best for the client and does not respect her autonomy and decision-making.

Choice C Reason: Validating the client's experience and feelings, such as "It was not your fault that you were abused." is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the client, as it helps to reduce guilt and shame and restore self-esteem and self-worth.

Choice D Reason: Blaming or criticizing the client for her situation, such as "What did you do to provoke your partner's anger?" is an inappropriate statement that the nurse should avoid in therapeutic communication with the client, as it reinforces negative self-image and self-blame and increases distress and anxiety.

Choice E Reason: Offering support and empathy, such as "I am here to listen and help you in any way I can." is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the client, as it demonstrates respect and caring and fosters trust and rapport.

Choice A Reason: Recognizing that a child may become withdrawn or depressed if he is emotionally abused is a correct statement that indicates an understanding of the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in children.

Choice B Reason: Recognizing that a child may have difficulty sleeping or eating if he is emotionally abused is a correct statement that indicates an understanding of the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in children.

Choice C Reason: Recognizing that a child may show aggressive or disruptive behavior if he is emotionally abused is a correct statement that indicates an understanding of the signs and symptoms of emotional abuse in children.

Choice D Reason: Having frequent accidents or injuries is not a sign or symptom of emotional abuse in children, but rather of physical abuse. This statement indicates a need for further teaching about the differences between emotional and physical abuse in children.

Choice A Reason: Telling the child that the nurse will not tell anyone what the child says is an inappropriate statement that the nurse should avoid, as it implies that the nurse is hiding something and may break the trust and rapport with the child. The nurse should also inform the child that some information may need to be shared with other professionals who can help the child.

Choice B Reason: Telling the child that the child did nothing wrong and is not to blame for what happened is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the child, as it helps to reduce guilt and shame and restore self-esteem and self-worth. However, it is not the most likely statement to elicit a response from the child, as it may be too direct or confrontational for a child who is reluctant to talk and appears fearful.

Choice C Reason: Telling the child that the child is safe and no one can hurt the child anymore is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the child, as it helps to reduce anxiety and fear and promote a sense of security and safety. However, it is not the most likely statement to elicit a response from the child, as it may be too reassuring or unrealistic for a child who is reluctant to talk and appears fearful.

Choice D Reason: Praising the child for being brave and expressing pride for talking to the nurse is an appropriate statement that the nurse should include in the therapeutic communication with the child, as it helps to increase confidence and motivation and encourage further disclosure. It is also the most likely statement to elicit a response from the child, as it acknowledges the difficulty and courage of talking about abuse and shows respect and appreciation for the child's efforts.

Choice A Reason: Referring the family to a social worker who can assist them with financial and housing resources is an appropriate intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care to address the risk factors for neglect, as it helps to reduce stress and improve the family's living conditions and stability.

Choice B Reason: Educating the family about the effects of neglect on the child's development and well-being is an appropriate intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care to address the risk factors for neglect, as it helps to increase awareness and motivation for change. However, it is not enough to address the underlying causes of neglect, such as poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.

Choice C Reason: Providing the family with a list of community resources that offer counseling and support groups is an appropriate intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care to address the risk factors for neglect, as it helps to enhance coping skills and social support. However, it is not enough to address the immediate needs of the family, such as financial and housing resources.

Choice D Reason: Monitoring the family's progress and compliance with the child protection services is an appropriate intervention that
the nurse should include in the plan of care to address the risk factors for neglect, as it helps to ensure safety and accountability. However, it is not enough to address the root causes of neglect, such as poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence.