Age Specific Patient Care Related

Review Age Specific Patient Care related questions and content

The nurse is considering making a child abuse or neglect report to protective services. To make the report, the nurse needs to:

  • A. Obtain the supervisor's permission to make the report
  • B. Have strong evidence that the abuse/neglect has occurred
  • C. Notify the parents of the intent to file the report
  • D. Have suspicions that the abuse has occurred
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because mandatory reporting laws typically require healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Having suspicions that abuse has occurred is sufficient to make a report, as it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to protect the child's safety. Obtaining the supervisor's permission (choice A) may delay the report unnecessarily. Having strong evidence (choice B) is not necessary for making a report, as suspicions should be reported for further investigation. Notifying the parents (choice C) may jeopardize the safety of the child if the abuser is aware of the report.