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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
My community is struggling with high morbidity due to heart health, so this initiative has merit. This statement indicates a clear understanding of the Million Hearts initiative, which aims to prevent heart attacks and strokes by improving cardiovascular health. Recognizing the high morbidity due to heart health issues in the community aligns with the initiative's goals, making it a suitable and beneficial program to implement.
Choice B Reason:
These initiative strategies are still in the experimental stage and have questionable merit in practice. This statement is incorrect because the Million Hearts initiative is a well-established program with proven strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease. It is not in the experimental stage and has demonstrated effectiveness in various communities.
Choice C Reason:
It is a local initiative and should not be used outside my state. This statement is incorrect as the Million Hearts initiative is a national program in the United States, designed to be implemented across different states and communities. It is not restricted to any specific locality and can be adapted to meet the needs of various populations.
Choice D Reason:
I will need to get a doctor's order or directive from the community health lead before considering outside initiatives. While collaboration with healthcare providers and community leaders is important, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the initiative itself. The Million Hearts initiative can be implemented by various stakeholders, including nurses, without requiring a specific directive from a doctor or community health lead.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client reports there are bike paths or running trails in their community. This statement indicates a positive aspect of the built environment. The presence of bike paths and running trails promotes physical activity and overall well-being. It does not suggest any faults in the built environment.
Choice B Reason:
The client reports contaminants in their drinking water at home. This statement clearly indicates a faulty built environment. Contaminated drinking water poses significant health risks and reflects poor infrastructure or inadequate maintenance of water supply systems. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental aspect of a healthy built environment.
Choice C Reason:
The client reports that there is limited public parking on their street. While limited public parking can be an inconvenience, it does not directly indicate a faulty built environment. Parking availability is more related to urban planning and transportation policies rather than the overall quality of the built environment.
Choice D Reason:
The client reports a lack of community centers in their neighborhood. Although the absence of community centers can affect social interactions and community engagement, it does not necessarily indicate a faulty built environment. It highlights a gap in community resources but does not directly impact the safety or health of the environment.
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