Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
Parents bring their 2-year old daughter into the emergency department after picking her up from her aunt's house. They are concerned that she has an upper respiratory infection. The nurse notices bruises on the patient's posterior thigh, wrists, and upper back. They appear to be in different stages of healing. Once the patient is stable after administering a bronchodilator and steroid, what should the nurse do?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Bruises in various stages of healing on a 2-year-old in non-accidental areas (posterior thigh, wrists, upper back) suggest possible abuse. As a mandated reporter, the nurse must call DCFS (B) to report suspected abuse. Questioning parents (A) may be confrontational, poison control (C) is irrelevant, and ABG (D) is unnecessary for stable respiratory status.