A nurse assesses a client and strongly suspects child abuse. What shou

QUESTION

A nurse assesses a client and strongly suspects child abuse. What should the nurse do next?

1. Ask the child to speak to the police.
2. Report the finding to child protection authorities.
3. Provide necessary immediate care and arrange for follow-up care of the injured.
4. Tell the parents that the nurse suspects abuse.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 2

Laws mandate the reporting of suspected child abuse to child-protection authorities for follow-up. Nurses should not inject themselves into the situation, but rather make an accurate assessment and intervene through proper reporting.