The parent of a child treated for injuries consistent with suspected child abuse has been told that a report will be made to Child Protective Services (CPS). The parent says angrily to the nurse, "I don't know why this is being reported. I told the health care provider (HCP) that it was an accident." What is the bestresponse by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In discussing the reporting aspect of suspected child abuse with a caregiver, the nurse needs to convey an attitude that is not judgmental, punitive, or threatening. Whether or not the parent has actually harmed or abused the child, the parent needs to know that a report will be made, why it is being filed, and an investigation will be conducted by a CPS worker and/or by the police. The nurse should emphasize that the primary concerns are for the safety and well-being of the child and that reporting is mandatory for the types of injuries sustained by the child. It is not unusual for a parent to react to this information with denial and/or anger. The nurse needs to anticipate that such a reaction may occur and maintain a supportive, empathetic, and nonaccusatory approach. (Option A) This response also diverts the need for the nurse to provide a response or explanation to the parent. The child's caregiver should be told why the report is being filed. (Option B) This response is nontherapeutic. It diverts the need for the nurse to respond to the parent's question, and it does not provide information or education. (Option D) This response is confrontational and could give the parent the impression that the nurse and health care team do not believe the story of how the child sustained the injuries. The parent could react with a heightened sense of anger. Educational objective: When discussing suspected child abuse with a caregiver, the nurse needs to be supportive and empathetic and maintain a neutral, nonpunitive and nonaccusatory manner. The parent needs to be told that the safety and well-being of the child are the primary concerns and that certain types of injuries and/or situations must be reported to the appropriate CPS agencies.

The Parent of a Child Treated for Injuries Consistent with Suspected