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Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect
Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect ( 8 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child who was brought to the emergency department by his mother. The nurse notices multiple bruises on the child's arms and legs, some of which are in different stages of healing. The child is quiet and avoids eye contact with the nurse. The mother says that the child is clumsy and falls a lot. What should the nurse do next?
Reason: Asking the mother to leave the room and interviewing the child alone may be helpful, but it is not the first priority. The nurse should ensure the safety of the child and follow the mandatory reporting laws for child abuse.
Reason: This is the correct answer. The nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to document the findings and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. This will initiate an investigation and protect the child from further harm.
Reason: Confronting the mother about the possibility of physical abuse and offering her counseling is not appropriate at this stage. The nurse should not accuse or judge the mother, as this may escalate the situation and endanger the child. The nurse should focus on providing support and resources to both the child and the mother, but only after reporting the abuse.
Reason: Discharging the child with a referral to a social worker and a follow-up appointment is not sufficient to address the situation. The child may be at risk of further abuse or even death if returned to the abusive environment. The nurse should not discharge the child until an investigation is conducted and a safety plan is established.
Choice A Reason: Asking the mother to leave the room and interviewing the child alone may be helpful, but it is not the first priority. The nurse should ensure the safety of the child and follow the mandatory reporting laws for child abuse.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct answer. The nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to document the findings and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. This will initiate an investigation and protect the child from further harm.
Choice C Reason: Confronting the mother about the possibility of physical abuse and offering her counseling is not appropriate at this stage. The nurse should not accuse or judge the mother, as this may escalate the situation and endanger the child. The nurse should focus on providing support and resources to both the child and the mother, but only after reporting the abuse.
Choice D Reason: Discharging the child with a referral to a social worker and a follow-up appointment is not sufficient to address the situation. The child may be at risk of further abuse or even death if returned to the abusive environment. The nurse should not discharge the child until an investigation is conducted and a safety plan is established.