An emergency department nurse is caring for a school-aged child who presents with a spiral fracture of the humerus. The child's caregiver states, 'He just tripped and fell while running in the yard.' The child remains unusually quiet, avoids eye contact, and flinches when approached. Based on the ethical principle of nonmaleficence and legal mandates, which actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
- Document the objective physical findings and quote the caregiver's exact explanation in the medical record.Cevap
- BDelay filing an official report until conclusive evidence of abuse is confirmed by radiography and the attending physician.
- Report the suspected abuse immediately to the designated state child welfare authorities.Cevap
- DConfront the caregiver directly about the inconsistencies between the child's injury and the provided history.
- Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure the child remains in a safe environment away from potential harm.Cevap
- FFocus exclusively on the physiological stabilization of the fracture before addressing any psychosocial safety concerns.
Cevap
The nurse must document the objective findings and the caregiver's exact quotes, report the suspected abuse immediately to state authorities, and collaborate with the team to ensure the child remains in a safe environment.
The correct actions prioritize the ethical principle of nonmaleficence by taking immediate steps to protect the vulnerable child from further harm. This includes fulfilling the legal obligation of mandated reporting based on reasonable suspicion, securing the child's environment, and practicing veracity through objective, factual documentation of the inconsistencies.
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Ethical Practice: Mandatory Reporting and Nonmaleficence