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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An older adult couple living in a community where goods and services are within walking distance is likely to experience long-term economic stability due to reduced transportation costs and increased accessibility to essential services. This setup minimizes the need for a vehicle, which can be a significant financial burden, especially for those on a fixed income. Additionally, the proximity to services can enhance their quality of life and reduce healthcare costs by promoting physical activity and social engagement.
Choice B Reason:
A single parent of two children who uses ride-share services may face financial instability due to the high costs associated with frequent ride-share usage. While ride-share services provide flexibility and convenience, they can be expensive over time, especially for a single parent managing multiple responsibilities and expenses. This choice does not offer the same level of economic stability as living in a walkable community.
Choice C Reason:
A client who has diabetes mellitus and regularly relies upon a family member for transportation may experience economic instability due to the dependency on others for mobility. This reliance can limit their ability to access employment opportunities and essential services independently. Additionally, managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be financially burdensome due to ongoing medical expenses.
Choice D Reason:
A young family regularly using public transportation services to acquire goods and services may face challenges related to the reliability and availability of public transportation. While public transportation can be cost-effective, it may not always be convenient or accessible, especially for families with young children. This can impact their ability to maintain consistent employment and access essential services, potentially affecting their long-term economic stability.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common pathophysiology among manual labor workers due to exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to loud machinery, tools, and equipment can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This condition is preventable with proper use of hearing protection and adherence to occupational safety guidelines.
Choice B: Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is not typically associated with environmental pollutants or hazardous exposure in the workplace. MS is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but it is not a common condition among manual labor workers due to occupational hazards.
Choice C: Influenza
Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. While manual labor workers can contract influenza, it is not directly related to hazardous exposure or environmental pollutants in the workplace. Influenza is more commonly spread through person-to-person contact and is preventable through vaccination and good hygiene practices.
Choice D: Alopecia
Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can be caused by various factors including genetics, autoimmune conditions, and stress. It is not typically associated with hazardous exposure or environmental pollutants in the workplace. Manual labor workers are not at a higher risk of developing alopecia due to their occupational environment.
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