While assessing a child at the community health clinic, the nurse notes that the toddler has multiple bruises on his legs and buttocks. After reporting suspected child abuse to the supervisor, which action should the nurse take next?
Obtain a restraining order against the father.
Encourage the mother to file a police report.
Ask the child if his father ever spanks him.
Refer the family to protective service agencies.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Obtain a restraining order against the father:
Obtaining a restraining order is a legal action that can be taken to protect the child but is not typically within the scope of the nurse’s immediate responsibilities. This action would involve law enforcement and the legal system rather than being an immediate next step in the healthcare setting. The nurse's role is to report the suspected abuse and ensure that appropriate protective services are involved.
B) Encourage the mother to file a police report:
Encouraging the mother to file a police report is a potential step in addressing the situation, but it should not be the nurse's immediate next action. The nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the appropriate child protective services are notified and involved, as they are equipped to handle investigations and interventions in cases of suspected child abuse.
C) Ask the child if his father ever spanks him:
Asking the child about specific forms of discipline, such as spanking, could potentially place the child in a difficult or unsafe position, especially if abuse is suspected. It is not the nurse's role to investigate or interrogate the child directly. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that the proper authorities are notified to handle the investigation.
D) Refer the family to protective service agencies:
Referring the family to protective service agencies is the most appropriate next step. These agencies are specialized in handling cases of suspected abuse and can provide the necessary intervention and support for the child’s safety and well-being. The nurse's role includes reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities and ensuring that protective services are contacted to investigate and address the situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Weight and height:
While measuring weight and height is important for assessing growth and overall health, it may not address the most critical health issues or concerns for high school students in the context of a health fair. Weight and height provide general health information but may not reflect more immediate or significant health needs specific to this population.
B) Sexual activity:
Assessing sexual activity is crucial in a health fair setting for high school students, as it directly relates to important health issues such as sexual health, risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Understanding students’ sexual activity can help tailor educational programs and provide necessary resources and counseling, making it a priority assessment for addressing relevant health concerns.
C) Immunization history:
Immunization history is important for identifying gaps in vaccinations and ensuring that students are protected against preventable diseases. However, while relevant, it may not address the specific behavioral and health education needs that can be more directly assessed through discussions about sexual activity and associated risks.
D) Visual acuity:
Assessing visual acuity is important for identifying potential vision problems but may not address the broader range of health issues and behavioral concerns that are relevant for high school students. Visual acuity is one aspect of health but does not capture the comprehensive needs that can be identified through an assessment of sexual activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Review morbidity data for the city's population compiled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics:
This is the most comprehensive and reliable method for identifying the greatest health concern facing the city. Morbidity data provides statistical information on the incidence and prevalence of diseases and health conditions within the population, helping to identify major health issues based on objective data.
B) Conduct a random telephone survey to determine the public's perception about health problems:
While public perception is valuable, it may not accurately reflect the actual health concerns based on prevalence or incidence data. Public surveys can provide insights into perceived issues but are not as reliable for identifying the most pressing health concerns as concrete morbidity data.
C) Call American Medical Association members to determine the most frequently treated diagnoses:
This method might provide insights from a medical perspective but does not offer a complete picture of the health concerns across the entire population. It may also miss out on data from other healthcare providers and public health reports.
D) Survey major hospitals in the area to determine the most common reasons for admissions:
Although hospital admission data is useful, it represents only part of the health picture and may not capture all relevant health concerns in the community. It also does not include outpatient or preventive care data, which are important for a comprehensive health assessment.
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