Nokea
A child, age 9, is being evaluated in the Emergency Department at the hospital. Her mother is with her and describes her as withdrawn and quiet. The nurse practitioner suspects child abuse. Which of these findings indicates that physical abuse may be a chronic problem for the child?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the mother's description of the child as withdrawn and quiet can indicate chronic physical abuse. This is because a child who is consistently withdrawn and quiet may be exhibiting signs of trauma from ongoing abuse. The mother's presence is also important as it provides insight into the child's home environment.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
B: The child's refusal to speak to the nurse may indicate shyness or fear, but it does not specifically point to chronic physical abuse.
C: The child's physical appearance alone does not provide enough information to determine if physical abuse is chronic.
In summary, choice A is the correct answer as it directly relates to potential signs of chronic physical abuse, while choices B and C do not provide sufficient evidence to support this conclusion.