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Legal and Ethical Obligations of the Nurse to Report Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect

  • The legal obligation of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect is based on federal and state laws that mandate certain professionals who work with children to report any reasonable suspicion of maltreatment to the appropriate authorities and agencies
  • The ethical obligation of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect is based on professional codes of conduct that require nurses to uphold the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, fidelity, veracity, advocacy, and accountability2
  • The legal and ethical obligations of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect are consistent with the nursing standards of practice that state that nurses have a duty to protect the health, safety, and rights of their clients
  • The legal and ethical obligations of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect are also consistent with the nursing philosophy that views children as vulnerable individuals who deserve respect, dignity, compassion, and protection4


 

  • The legal and ethical obligations of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect are not only important for the protection and well-being of the child but also for the prevention and intervention of further maltreatment
  • The legal and ethical obligations of the nurse to report child abuse and neglect also have implications for the nurse’s professional practice, such as:
    • Maintaining competence and knowledge in recognizing and responding to child abuse and neglect
    • Following the reporting laws and procedures of their state or jurisdiction, which may vary depending on the type of maltreatment, the severity of harm, the identity of the perpetrator, and the relationship to the child
    • Documenting any findings or actions related to child abuse and neglect in a clear, concise, accurate, and objective manner
    • Communicating and collaborating with the child, family, and other members of the health care team or multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care
    • Providing emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up care for children and families involved in the reporting process
    • Respecting the confidentiality, consent, autonomy, dignity, and rights of the child and family, while balancing the need to protect the child from further harm
    • Advocating for the best interests of the child and family, while respecting their values, beliefs, preferences, and goals
    • Educating the child, family, and community about the causes, consequences, prevention, and intervention of child abuse and neglect
    • Seeking supervision, consultation, or support from peers or mentors when faced with ethical dilemmas or challenges in reporting child abuse and neglect

Questions on Legal and Ethical Obligations of the Nurse to Report Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

<p>Reason: This is incorrect because reporting the suspicion to the social worker and asking for a referral to a child protection service are not immediate or direct actions to fulfill the legal obligation of the nurse. The social worker may not be available or qualified to handle the case, and asking for a referral does not guarantee that the report will be made or followed up.</p>

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

<p>This is correct because educating children about their rights and how to seek help if they feel unsafe can empower them to protect themselves from abuse and neglect. Children should know that they have a right to be treated with respect, dignity, care, and protection, and that they have a right to say no to anything that makes them uncomfortable or hurts them. Children should also know how to identify trusted adults who can help them in case of maltreatment, such as teachers, counselors, nurses, doctors, police officers, etc., and how to contact them.</p>

<p>Reason: This is incorrect because telling the child that they have to tell everything that happened to them and that it&#39;s very important may put pressure on the child and make them feel overwhelmed or defensive. The child may not be ready or willing to disclose the details of the abuse, or ma

<p>Reason: This is incorrect because an abusive partner is not someone who supports their partner&#39;s goals and interests, even if they are different from theirs. This is a characteristic of a healthy and supportive relationship, where both partners encourage and celebrate each other&#39;s achieve
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