Question

A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a school-age child who was brought in by their parents and has scald burns to both hands and wrists. The nurse suspects physical abuse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a. Notify Child Protective Services (CPS)
b. Document the injuries and discharge the child
c. Interview the parents separately to gather more information
d. Apply burn ointment and dress the wounds

Answer 1

The nurse should notify Child Protective Services (CPS) when suspecting physical abuse in a child, as their safety is the top priority. Documenting the injuries should also be done, but after notifying CPS. Interviewing the parents separately may be done as part of the investigation. Applying burn ointment and dressing wounds is for medical treatment, but does not address the suspected abuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a situation where a nurse suspects physical abuse in a child, the appropriate action is to notify Child Protective Services (CPS). A nurse has a duty to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Documenting the injuries is also important, but it should be done after notifying CPS. Interviewing the parents separately may be done as part of the investigation, but it is not the nurse's role to gather more information or determine the validity of the suspicion. Applying burn ointment and dressing the wounds should be done for medical treatment, but it does not address the suspected abuse.