Which of the following behaviors would not have disciplinary or legal consequences?

A. Sickle cell disease is classified as an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that a child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to express the disease. Individuals with one normal and one mutated gene are carriers (sickle cell trait) but do not exhibit symptoms.
B. X-linked genetic disorders are caused by mutations on the X chromosome and typically affect males more severely than females, as males have only one X chromosome. Sickle cell disease is not located on the X chromosome; therefore, it is not classified as X-linked.
C. In an autosomal dominant disorder, only one copy of the mutated gene is needed for an individual to express the disease. Sickle cell disease does not follow this inheritance pattern; it requires two copies of the mutated gene, which makes this classification inaccurate.
D. While sickle cell disease is indeed an inherited disorder, this term is broad and could apply to many genetic conditions. It describes the general nature of the disease but does not provide the specificity that "autosomal recessive disorder" does.

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.