NCLEX-PN Exam - Topic 2 Question 17 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCLEX's NCLEX-PN exam

Question #: 17
Topic #: 2

A 10-month-old child is brought to the Emergency Department because he is difficult to awaken. The nurse notes bruises on both upper arms. These findings are most consistent with:

Awearing clothing that is too small for the child.

Bthe child being shaken.

Cfalling while learning to walk.

Dparents trying to awaken the child.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Children who are shaken are frequently grasped by both upper arms. Symptoms of brain injury associated

with shaking include decreased level of consciousness.Psychosocial Integrity

by Sina at Apr 11, 2026, 05:39 AM

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Iraida

18 days ago

Definitely not just a fall.

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Jaclyn

23 days ago

Sounds like shaken baby syndrome to me.

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Ayesha

1 month ago

I’m torn between B and C. I know kids can get bruises from learning to walk, but the lethargy makes me lean towards something more concerning like shaking.

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Fatima

1 month ago

I feel like we had a practice question similar to this one, and it emphasized the importance of considering non-accidental injuries in young children.

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Darrel

2 months ago

I’m not entirely sure, but I think option B about the child being shaken sounds plausible, especially with the difficulty in waking up.

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Renea

2 months ago

I remember discussing child abuse signs in class, and bruises on the arms could indicate something more serious than just falling.

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