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 wait until the parent is not in the room and then ask the patient if they feel safe at home.

•Incorrect: Asking the mother would be accusatory and could put the child in danger if there is abuse at home.

•Incorrect: The nurse should always collect assessment data before calling the physician.

•Incorrect: The nurse is a mandated reporter, and if the child confirms the suspicion or the nurse still believes that there may be abuse at home, she should make a report, but she should collect more information first.

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