A practical nurse (PN) is working in a community pediatric clinic and is assisting with the physical examination of a 3-year-old child. During the data collection, the PN observes multiple bruise marks in various stages of healing on the child's back and torso. Which of the following actions is legally required of the PN?
- Document the findings and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate protective agency or facility authority immediately.Answer
- BWait to see if new injuries appear at the next scheduled appointment before filing a formal report.
- CQuestion the parents aggressively to obtain a concrete admission of guilt before notifying any authorities.
- DDelegate a full skin assessment to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to confirm the extent of the injuries.
Answer
Document the findings and report the suspected abuse to the appropriate protective agency or facility authority immediately.
As mandated reporters, practical nurses are legally required to immediately report any suspected child abuse to the appropriate state protective agency or designated facility authority. Only a suspicion is required to trigger this mandate; nurses do not need to prove the abuse occurred.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Abuse