A two-year-old child has sustained an injury to the leg and refuses to walk. The nurse in the emergency department documents swelling of the lower affected leg. Which of the following does the nurse suspect is the cause of the child’s symptoms?
A. Possible fracture of the tibia.
B. Bruising of the gastrocnemius muscle.
C. Possible fracture of the radius.
D. No anatomic injury, the child wants his mother to carry him.
Correct Answer: A. Possible fracture of the tibia.
The child’s refusal to walk, combined with swelling of the limb is suspicious for fracture.
Option B: Toddlers will often continue to walk on a muscle that is bruised or strained.
Option C: The radius is found in the lower arm and is not relevant to this question.
Option D: Toddlers rarely feign injury to be carried, and swelling indicates a physical injury.