A home health care nurse is visiting an older adult client who tells the nurse that she is feeling tired, is unable to shop for groceries, and would like the nurse to shop for her. Shopping and performing personal errands for the client is prohibited in the nurse's job description. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

A. While concerns about making false reports are understandable, they should not prevent a nurse from reporting suspected abuse. In many jurisdictions, "good faith" reporting protects individuals who report suspected abuse from liability, even if the report turns out to be false.
B. A nurse does not need concrete evidence to report suspected child abuse. The law typically requires that suspicion alone is sufficient to warrant a report. Nurses are encouraged to report any suspicion of abuse to ensure that the appropriate authorities can investigate.
C. Commitment from a potential abuser to stop the abuse does not negate the responsibility to report. Mandatory reporting laws require that any suspicion of child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities, regardless of the abuser's intentions.
D. This statement accurately reflects the legal obligation of health care professionals. If a nurse has any suspicion of child abuse, they are mandated to report it to the appropriate authorities. This ensures that investigations can occur and that children are protected from potential harm.

A. While it is important to address concerns about impairment, confronting the nurse directly can be counterproductive and may escalate the situation. It is essential to approach the situation with caution and follow established protocols for dealing with suspected substance impairment.
B. While gathering observations from colleagues may seem reasonable, it can create a culture of gossip and may violate confidentiality. This approach can also lead to misinformation and should not be the first step in addressing a serious concern about a colleague's safety and well-being.
C. Documenting observations is important, but it should not be the sole action taken at this point. Communicating with the personnel department is part of the process if the situation escalates, but immediate action is necessary to ensure patient safety.
D. This option is the most appropriate initial action. By closely monitoring the nurse’s behavior, the manager can gather more information before taking further steps. This approach allows for the collection of objective data and ensures patient safety while avoiding premature accusations.