Question

A nurse notices that his neighbor's preschool children are often playing on the sidewalk and in the street unsupervised and repeatedly takes them back to their home and talks with the parent available, but the situation continues. What immediate action by the nurse is mandated by law?

a. Talk with both parents about safety needs of their children.
b. Contact the appropriate community child protection agency.
c. Tell the parents that the authorities will be contacted shortly.
d. Take pictures of the children to support the overt child abuse.

Answer 1

The nurse is legally required to contact the appropriate community child protection agency immediately if they suspect child neglect or abuse, such as children playing unsupervised in potentially dangerous areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse notices that their neighbor's children are often playing unsupervised on the sidewalk and in the street and has repeatedly returned them to their home and discussed the issue with the parent. According to mandated reporting laws, the immediate action required by the nurse is to contact the appropriate community child protection agency. It is a legal responsibility for healthcare professionals to report suspected child neglect or abuse. While engaging the parents in dialogue about the safety needs of their children is important, it does not absolve the legal obligation to report. Taking pictures is not advised, as it may violate the children's privacy and isn't required for reporting. Telling the parents that authorities will be contacted may be part of the process, but does not replace the actual reporting to authorities.