What action should the nurse take if abuse of a 10-year-old child is suspected?

What action should the nurse take if abuse of a 10-year-old child is suspected?

• A. Interview the child privately and document
• B. Report the suspicion to local authorities
• C. Refrain from reporting until confirmation
• D. Refer to school counselor

Answer: (B)

When abuse is suspected, the nurse’s primary responsibility is to protect the child by reporting the suspicion to the appropriate local authorities right away, because nurses are mandated reporters. This immediate report triggers protective services to assess danger, ensure the child’s safety, and initiate any needed investigations. Waiting for confirmation or attempting to prove abuse through private interviews can allow harm to continue and may be illegal. Interviewing the child and documenting concerns are important parts of care, but they should not delay reporting and must be conducted in a non-leading, sensitive manner after the safety nets have been engaged. Referring to a school counselor can provide support, but it does not substitute for the required report to authorities. After reporting, continue to document objectively and follow the facility’s policies to support the child and family.

When abuse is suspected, the nurse’s primary responsibility is to protect the child by reporting the suspicion to the appropriate local authorities right away, because nurses are mandated reporters. This immediate report triggers protective services to assess danger, ensure the child’s safety, and initiate any needed investigations. Waiting for confirmation or attempting to prove abuse through private interviews can allow harm to continue and may be illegal. Interviewing the child and documenting concerns are important parts of care, but they should not delay reporting and must be conducted in a non-leading, sensitive manner after the safety nets have been engaged. Referring to a school counselor can provide support, but it does not substitute for the required report to authorities. After reporting, continue to document objectively and follow the facility’s policies to support the child and family.