A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old with appendicitis and multiple bruises. The nurse suspects the child is being abused. What should the nurse do?

Explanation

•Nurses are considered mandatory reporters and must report suspected abuse to the local authorities.

•Questioning the mother can increase the risk of harm to the child.

•Discussing the situation with another nurse is a breach of patient confidentiality.

•The nurse should notify the physician, but this is less important than reporting to the authorities.

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