Final answer:
The nurse's primary legal responsibility is to report the suspected physical abuse to local authorities, as mandated by law, to ensure the child's safety and initiate proper investigations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse in the Emergency Department (ED) suspects a child is a victim of physical abuse, their primary legal responsibility is to report the suspected abuse to local authorities. This action is mandated by laws that require health care professionals to report any cases where abuse is suspected. Not only is reporting critical for the immediate safety of the child, but it also initiates the involvement of child protective services and the possibility for proper investigations.
While assisting the family in finding resources for support and referring them to a hospital support group are important steps, these actions are secondary to the legal obligation to report the abuse. Similarly, accurate and thorough documentation of the child's physical assessment findings is critical, as it provides evidence that may be used in subsequent investigations or legal actions.
Professionals, including nurses, physicians, teachers, law enforcement personnel, and social services staff are the most common reporters of child abuse. Failure to report suspected abuse can result in legal consequences for the professional and further endanger the child's wellbeing.