Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect
Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect ( 8 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of four clients who were admitted for suspected child abuse. Which of the following clients has the highest risk of mortality from abuse?
Reason: This is the correct answer. A 2-year-old client who has a skull fracture and subdural hematoma has the highest risk of mortality from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of severe head trauma, which can lead to brain damage, coma, or death. Head injuries are one of the most common causes of death among abused children, especially those under 4 years old.
Reason: A 5-year-old client who has multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung has a high risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of blunt force trauma to the chest, which can cause respiratory distress, infection, or shock. However, these injuries are less likely to be fatal than head injuries, especially if treated promptly.
Reason: An 8-year-old client who has second-degree burns on both hands and arms has a moderate risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of thermal injury from hot liquids or objects, which can cause pain, infection, or scarring. However, these injuries are less likely to be life-threatening than head or chest injuries, unless they cover a large surface area of the body.
Reason: A 12-year-old client who has a broken femur and internal bleeding has a low risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of blunt force trauma to the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, or hematoma. However, these injuries are unlikely to be fatal unless complicated by infection, embolism, or hemorrhage.
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer. A 2-year-old client who has a skull fracture and subdural hematoma has the highest risk of mortality from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of severe head trauma, which can lead to brain damage, coma, or death. Head injuries are one of the most common causes of death among abused children, especially those under 4 years old.
Choice B Reason: A 5-year-old client who has multiple rib fractures and a punctured lung has a high risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of blunt force trauma to the chest, which can cause respiratory distress, infection, or shock. However, these injuries are less likely to be fatal than head injuries, especially if treated promptly.
Choice C Reason: An 8-year-old client who has second-degree burns on both hands and arms has a moderate risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of thermal injury from hot liquids or objects, which can cause pain, infection, or scarring. However, these injuries are less likely to be life-threatening than head or chest injuries, unless they cover a large surface area of the body.
Choice D Reason: A 12-year-old client who has a broken femur and internal bleeding has a low risk of morbidity from abuse, as these injuries are indicative of blunt force trauma to the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, or hematoma. However, these injuries are unlikely to be fatal unless complicated by infection, embolism, or hemorrhage.