A nurse is caring for a 12-year-old girl who has been physically abused by her father. The nurse notices that the girl has multiple bruises and fractures in various stages of healing. The girl says that she loves her father and does not want to be separated from him. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate to address the girl's feelings?

Choice A Reason: This statement is false because the nurse does not need to have conclusive evidence of abuse or neglect before making a report. The nurse only needs to have Reasonable cause or suspicion to believe that a child is being maltreated.

Choice B Reason: This statement is true because the nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services, law enforcement, or health care providers. The nurse should follow the policies and procedures of his or her institution and state laws regarding reporting.

Choice C Reason: This statement is false because the nurse does not need to obtain the consent of the child and the parents before making a report. The nurse should respect the confidentiality and privacy of the child and the family, but not at the expense of their safety and well-being.

Choice D Reason: This statement is false because the nurse does not need to confront the abuser and offer counseling before making a report. The nurse should avoid any confrontation or intervention that may endanger the child or himself or herself. The nurse should refer the child and the family to appropriate resources and services for further assessment and treatment.

The correct answer is C. The nurse should document any evidence of abuse or neglect in detail using objective and factual language. This can include physical findings, behavioral observations, statements from the child or the child or the parents, and any actions taken by the nurse or other professionals. This can help provide accurate and reliable information for the investigation and intervention of the case.

Choice A Reason: The nurse should report any case of suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities within 24 hours. This is a legal and ethical obligation of the nurse to protect the child from further harm and to comply with the mandatory reporting laws of the state or country.

Choice B Reason: The nurse should not obtain written consent from the parents or guardians before reporting any case of suspected or confirmed abuse or neglect. This is not a legal or ethical requirement of the nurse, and it may jeopardize the safety of the child or the nurse. The nurse should report the case without notifying the parents or guardians, unless it is in the best interest of the child.

Choice D Reason: The nurse should not confront the suspected abuser directly and demand an explanation for the abuse or neglect. This is not a legal or ethical responsibility of the nurse, and it may endanger the child or the nurse. The nurse should leave the investigation and intervention of the case to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services, law enforcement, or social workers.