The nurse is working with a patient who has revealed to the nurse that she hits her toddler with a wooden paddle when she is angry. When the child visits, the nurse sees bruises and welts on the child's legs. The patient asks the nurse not to tell anyone because she is ashamed and afraid the child will be taken away from her. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

3. Nurses are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse to the proper government authorities. This is part of the duty to protect. The information may also be communicated to the nursing supervisor, the physician, and others, but the priority notification is to the government authorities. Child abuse is not protected by HIPAA or privacy/confidentiality laws. Nurses who learn of or suspect child abuse or elder abuse are mandated to report it.

The Nurse Is Working with a Patient Who Has Revealed