Question

A nurse is providing care to a 6-year-old child with a broken arm. The nurse notices multiple bruises. The child says, "my father got mad because I was bad, and he hit and broke my arm so that I would remember to be good." What is the best nursing action?

a. Chart that the child is a victim of abuse.
b. Do nothing because the nurse cannot prove the child was abused.
c. Report the situation to the appropriate authorities.
d. Ignore what the child said because little children often lie.

Answer 1

The best nursing action is to report the situation to the appropriate authorities. Child abuse, including physical abuse, has severe and long-lasting effects on a child's well-being. It is crucial to protect the child and ensure they receive the appropriate support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing action in this situation is to c. Report the situation to the appropriate authorities. The child's statement and the presence of multiple bruises raise concerns about possible child abuse. It is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to protect and advocate for the well-being of their patients, especially when there is suspicion or evidence of abuse.

Child abuse, including physical abuse, has severe and long-lasting effects on a child's physical and mental well-being. It is crucial to report any suspicions or signs of abuse to protect the child from further harm and to ensure they receive the appropriate support and intervention to recover from the trauma.

By reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities, such as Child Protective Services, the nurse can initiate an investigation to ensure the child's safety and well-being. It is important to follow established protocols and procedures to handle suspected cases of child abuse professionally and ethically.