ATI Community Health Nursing Test Bank Related

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A community health nurse (CHN) suspects that an elementary school student is being physically abused. Which action would be the most appropriate one for the CHN to take?

  • A. Ask the student about the abuse.
  • B. Document findings in the student's school record.
  • C. Discuss the suspicions of abuse with the student's teachers or the family's spiritual leader.
  • D. Notify legal authorities.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify legal authorities. This is the most appropriate action for the CHN to take because suspected cases of child abuse must be reported to legal authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Reporting to legal authorities initiates an official investigation by trained professionals who can assess the situation and take appropriate action to protect the child.

A: Asking the student about the abuse may put the child at risk of further harm if the abuser is present or if the child is not ready to disclose the abuse.
B: Documenting findings in the student's school record is not sufficient to address the immediate safety concerns of the child.
C: Discussing suspicions with teachers or spiritual leaders may not lead to the necessary intervention and protection of the child.

In summary, notifying legal authorities is the most effective and necessary step to ensure the safety of the child in cases of suspected abuse.