A nurse working at a middle school suspects that a student is experiencing physical abuse after performing an assessment on them. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
Make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS)
Call the police and report the suspected abuse.
Call the child's guardian to have the child's pediatrician confirm the suspected abuse.
Alert the school principal of the situation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Make a Report to Child Protective Services (CPS)
This is the correct action for the nurse to take. Nurses are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services (CPS) is the agency responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Reporting to CPS ensures that the case is handled by professionals trained to investigate and intervene in such situations.
Choice B: Call the Police and Report the Suspected Abuse
While calling the police may seem like a logical step, it is not the primary action a nurse should take in this situation. The police may become involved later in the process, especially if there is an immediate threat to the child's safety. However, the initial report should be made to CPS, as they are the designated agency for handling child abuse cases.
Choice C: Call the Child's Guardian to Have the Child's Pediatrician Confirm the Suspected Abuse
This action is not appropriate because it could potentially place the child in further danger. If the guardian is the abuser, notifying them could lead to retaliation against the child or attempts to cover up the abuse. Additionally, it is not the role of the pediatrician to confirm abuse; this is the responsibility of CPS and law enforcement.
Choice D: Alert the School Principal of the Situation
While it is important to keep school officials informed, the nurse's primary responsibility is to report the suspected abuse to CPS. The school principal can be informed after the report has been made, but the immediate priority is to ensure the child's safety by contacting the appropriate authorities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Working with the floor manager to decide on some light duty work for a nurse aide who is recovering from a broken ankle
This intervention is an example of tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention aims to manage and rehabilitate individuals with existing health conditions to prevent further complications and improve their quality of life. By arranging light duty work, the nurse helps the aide continue working while accommodating their recovery, thus preventing further injury and promoting rehabilitation.
Choice B reason: Conducting an in-service on using the new patient lift device to prevent back injuries in the nursing staff
This intervention is an example of primary prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent diseases or injuries before they occur by reducing exposure to hazards. Conducting training on using patient lift devices helps prevent back injuries among the nursing staff by promoting safe handling techniques.
Choice C reason: Screening the staff for Tuberculosis (TB) exposure
This intervention is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat diseases early to halt their progression. Screening for TB exposure helps identify infected individuals early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing the spread of the disease.
Choice D reason: Administering the annual flu vaccine to the employees
This intervention is also an example of primary prevention. Administering flu vaccines helps prevent the onset of influenza by boosting the immune system's ability to fight the virus. Vaccination is a proactive measure to reduce the incidence of flu among employees.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: The Workplace Procedures and Protocols Manual
Reviewing the workplace procedures and protocols manual can provide valuable context about the standard operating procedures and safety measures in place at the factory. However, this information alone does not directly address the specifics of the employee's injury claim. It is more useful for understanding the general safety environment rather than investigating a specific incident.
Choice B: The Occupational Safety and Health Act
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) provides guidelines and regulations for workplace safety. While it is important for ensuring compliance with safety standards, it does not contain specific information about individual employee injury claims. The nurse should be familiar with OSHA regulations but needs more detailed information about the specific incident to conduct a thorough investigation.
Choice C: The Client's Medical Record or Chart
This is the correct choice. The client's medical record or chart contains detailed information about the employee's health status, medical history, and the specifics of the injury. Reviewing this information is crucial for understanding the nature and extent of the injury, any pre-existing conditions, and the treatment provided. This data is essential for accurately assessing the validity of the injury claim and determining any potential workplace-related factors.
Choice D: The Client's Attendance Record at Health and Safety Seminars
While the client's attendance record at health and safety seminars can indicate their level of training and awareness of safety protocols, it does not provide direct information about the injury itself. This record can be useful for understanding the employee's knowledge of safety practices but is not sufficient for investigating the specifics of the injury claim.
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