Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Fractures of the posterior ribs and scapula are particularly concerning in cases of suspected child abuse due to their association with non-accidental trauma. These types of fractures often occur from significant force exerted on the child's body, such as shaking or blunt impact, which is more characteristic of abuse rather than typical accidental injuries common in children.

In children, injuries to the posterior ribs and scapula may suggest that the child has been subjected to violent behavior, especially since these bones are generally well protected and not easily fractured during ordinary activities. Additionally, the presence of multiple fractures in various stages of healing or fractures in typically uncommon locations for children may raise suspicions of ongoing abuse.

While fractures of the forearm, wrist, or fingers can occur in accidents and play situations, they are not as distinctive of child abuse as the specific skeletal injuries found in the posterior ribs and scapula. Thus, identifying these particular fractures can be essential for healthcare providers when assessing potential child abuse, guiding them to take appropriate investigative actions and provide necessary interventions for the child's safety.