A 5 year old child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. The nurse observes bruises on the child's back and arms. The mother is present in the patient's room. What should the nurse do next?

Explanation

•If the nurse suspects abuse, he or she should ask the patient in private if he or she feels safe at home to gather more information.

•Incorrect: While the nurse is a mandated reporter, the nurse should first collect more information before calling the police or reporting her concerns to the physician.

•Incorrect: Asking the mother would be accusatory.

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