The school nurse is seeing a 7-year-old child in the clinic and is concerned with behaviors and physical indications that indicate the child is being sexually abused. Which is the priority action by the nurse?
The nurse must discuss the findings with the parents and give them the opportunity to explain.
Talk to the child and find out if they are experiencing sexual abuse or inappropriate touching.
The nurse should talk with another co-worker to be sure the nurse is correct about the assessment.
Accurately and thoroughly document the findings and report to the appropriate authorities.
The Correct Answer is D
When a school nurse suspects that a child is being sexually abused, the priority action is to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Option D, accurately and thoroughly documenting the findings and reporting to the appropriate authorities, is the most critical step in protecting the child.
Child abuse, including sexual abuse, is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and intervention. In many jurisdictions, healthcare professionals, including school nurses, are mandated reporters, which means they are legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse to child protective services or other appropriate authorities.
Options A, B, and C are not appropriate as the child's safety is the top priority:
A. Discussing the findings with the parents and giving them the opportunity to explain could potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are involved in the abuse or are unwilling to address the situation.
B. Talking to the child and finding out if they are experiencing sexual abuse or inappropriate touching should not be the first step without involving child protective services or other appropriate authorities. The child may be frightened or reluctant to disclose abuse directly to the nurse, especially if the abuser is a family member or someone known to the child.
C. Talking with another co-worker to confirm the assessment may delay the necessary action and reporting to protect the child.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Complicated grieving, also known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder, refers to a type of grief that is prolonged, intense and does not follow the typical trajectory of mourning. It can manifest differently in different individuals, but some common signs of complicated grieving include:
B. An adult who insisted for many years that the adult hated the adult's deceased parent: This could indicate unresolved emotional conflicts with the deceased parent, which may be contributing to complicated grief.
C. The parent of a child who died after having left the child in a car on a hot day: This situation involves feelings of guilt and responsibility, which can complicate the grieving process.
D. The grandchild of a soldier killed in war who visits the grave once a year on Memorial Day: This response is likely a normal grief response, as the person visits the grave once a year during Memorial Day, which is a common time for remembering and honoring deceased loved ones.
The following options are not necessarily indicative of complicated grieving:
A. A driver whose spouse and children all died as a result of his driving drunk: While this is undoubtedly a traumatic event, the description provided does not necessarily indicate complicated grieving specifically.
E. The spouse of a person who died 7 years ago and visits the grave several times a day: Visiting the grave several times a day might indicate a deep sense of loss, but it is not specific to complicated grieving and can vary depending on cultural practices and individual coping mechanisms.
It's essential to recognize that grief is a complex and individual process, and professional assessment and support are often required to identify and address complicated grieving in a person.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In cases of elder abuse by family members, the emotional bond and dependency on the abusers can create a significant barrier for the older adult to report the abuse. The client may fear damaging the relationship with their adult children or causing harm to the family dynamics. This emotional closeness and loyalty to the family may prevent the client from disclosing the abuse and seeking help.
Option A is not correct because laws do provide protection against elder abuse, including abuse by family members. Many jurisdictions have specific laws and protective services in place to address elder abuse.
Option B is not correct because financial resources, while important, are not the primary reason why the client has not reported the abuse. The emotional bond with the abusers is a more significant factor.
Option D is not correct because abuse does not need to involve physical harm to be considered abuse. Emotional, financial, and other forms of abuse can also be harmful and should be reported and addressed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.