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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The quick and colorful approach is a method often used for brainstorming and generating ideas in a visually engaging manner. It involves using colorful charts, sticky notes, and other visual aids to help participants think creatively and organize their thoughts. However, this method does not typically involve the use of questionnaires for data collection.
Choice B Reason:
The simplex method is a mathematical approach used for linear programming and optimization problems. It helps in finding the best possible solution from a set of feasible solutions. This method is highly analytical and does not involve the use of questionnaires for data collection or analysis.
Choice C Reason:
The criteria weighting method is used to evaluate and prioritize different options based on specific criteria. Participants assign weights to each criterion based on its importance, and then score each option against these criteria. While this method is useful for decision-making, it does not inherently involve the use of questionnaires for data collection.
Choice D Reason:
Nominal group planning is a structured method for group brainstorming that encourages contributions from everyone. It involves the use of questionnaires to gather individual opinions and then aggregates these responses to identify the most important issues or solutions. This method is particularly effective for prioritizing community needs as it ensures that all voices are heard and considered.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The portal of entry refers to the site through which pathogens enter the body. While handwashing can indirectly affect the portal of entry by reducing the number of pathogens on the hands, it primarily targets the mode of transmission. The portal of entry includes areas such as the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and breaks in the skin.
Choice B Reason:
The susceptible host is an individual who is at risk of infection due to factors such as age, underlying health conditions, or weakened immune systems. Handwashing does not directly alter the susceptibility of the host but rather reduces the likelihood of the host coming into contact with pathogens.
Choice C Reason:
The portal of exit is the site from which pathogens leave the host to infect another individual. Common portals of exit include the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and open wounds. Handwashing does not directly impact the portal of exit but helps prevent the spread of pathogens from one person to another.
Choice D Reason:
Mode of transmission refers to the way pathogens are transferred from one host to another. Handwashing is a critical intervention that targets this link in the chain of transmission by removing pathogens from the hands, thereby preventing their spread through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. This is why proper handwashing technique is emphasized in infection control practices.
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