Final answer:
The best action for a school nurse suspecting abuse due to a belt buckle-shaped ecchymosis on a child is to immediately contact Social Services to report the suspected abuse, ensuring the child's safety and well-being.
The correct option is d. Contacting Social Services and reporting suspected abuse
Step-by-step explanation:
If a school nurse recognizes a belt buckle-shaped ecchymosis on a 7-year-old student and has reason to suspect abuse, the best next action is contacting Social Services and reporting suspected abuse.
It is vital for healthcare professionals and educators to report any signs of abuse to the appropriate authorities, even if the child has provided what seems like a plausible explanation for the injury.
The description provided by the student cannot be ignored, particularly when the physical evidence suggests a pattern of injury that is consistent with abuse and not an accidental fall.
Interviewing the patient in the presence of his/her teacher may not provide the private and secure setting needed for the child to disclose sensitive information, while ignoring the findings or assuming that abuse victims always report abuse could lead to further harm to the child.
It's important to note that child abuse remains a significant problem and can manifest in multiple forms, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, and medical neglect.
Suspicions of abuse must be taken seriously and acted upon promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
The correct option is d. Contacting Social Services and reporting suspected abuse