Final answer:
Nurses are mandated by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect directly to Child Protective Services or the appropriate authorities, and this must be done without delay. Option 3 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses' Responsibility in Suspected Child Abuse Cases
When a nurse suspects that a child is being abused or neglected, their primary responsibility is reporting the suspected abuse or neglect. This is required by law in each state, and is critical to protect the welfare of the child. The correct answer is 3) Reporting of suspected abuse or neglect is required by law in each state. It is important for nurses to understand that they do not need a physician's order to make a report.
Furthermore, while informing the parents before reporting to Child Protective Services (CPS) may be considered in some situations, it is not a legal requirement and can sometimes place the child at greater risk. Consulting a social worker may be helpful but it should not delay the mandatory reporting. Nurses are mandatory reporters and have a legal obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect directly to CPS or the appropriate authorities.
According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway and Child Help statistics, child abuse and neglect are significant issues, and professionals including nurses are often the ones to report them. Failure to report can lead to continued harm to the child and legal consequences for the professional.
Immediate action is vital, especially considering that vulnerable populations like infants, who rely solely on adults for care, are at significant risk. Factors such as cultural values, community standards, and poverty may contribute to neglect, but the availability of public or private assistance should be utilized to prevent harm to children.