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: Crime Statistics
Crime statistics are an example of secondary data. Secondary data refers to information that has been collected by someone else for a different purpose but is being utilized by the nurse for community assessment. Crime statistics are typically gathered by law enforcement agencies and other governmental bodies and can provide valuable insights into the safety and social environment of a community.
Choice B: Direct Observation
Direct observation is a method of collecting primary data. Primary data is gathered firsthand by the researcher through direct methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations. In this case, the nurse would be directly observing the community to gather information, making it a primary data collection method.
Choice C: Community Informant Interviews
Community informant interviews are another example of primary data collection. These interviews involve speaking directly with community members or key informants to gather firsthand information about the community's health needs, resources, and concerns. This method provides qualitative data that can be used to understand the community's perspective.
Choice D: Windshield Survey
A windshield survey is a primary data collection method where the nurse drives through the community to observe various aspects such as housing conditions, availability of services, and general environmental conditions. This type of survey provides firsthand observational data about the community.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Implementing the Teach Back Method When Prescribing Medication
The Teach Back Method is an effective communication strategy where healthcare providers ask clients to repeat back the information given to ensure understanding. While this method can improve medication adherence and health literacy, it does not directly address the broader systemic issues related to poverty. It is a useful tool but not the most impactful intervention for breaking the cycle of poverty.
Choice B: Replacing Medicare Programs with Medigap Policies
Medigap policies are supplemental insurance plans that cover costs not included in traditional Medicare. However, replacing Medicare programs with Medigap policies would not necessarily improve outcomes for clients impacted by poverty. Medigap policies can be expensive and may not be affordable for low-income individuals. This intervention does not address the root causes of poverty or improve access to essential health services.
Choice C: Eliminating the Use of Client Portals or Virtual Visits
Eliminating client portals or virtual visits would likely have a negative impact on client outcomes, especially for those in poverty who may have limited access to transportation. Virtual visits and client portals provide convenient access to healthcare services, allowing clients to communicate with providers, access medical records, and receive care without the need for in-person visits. Removing these options would reduce access to care for many individuals.
Choice D: Opening a Community Health Center in an Underserved Area
This is the correct choice. Opening a community health center in an underserved area directly addresses the lack of access to healthcare services, which is a significant barrier for individuals living in poverty. Community health centers provide comprehensive primary care, preventive services, and support for managing chronic conditions. They often offer sliding scale fees based on income, making healthcare more affordable and accessible for low-income populations. By improving access to healthcare, community health centers can help break the cycle of poverty and improve overall health outcomes.
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