Due to an Asthma Exacerbation, a 4-Year-Old Kid Is Brought

Due to an asthma exacerbation, a 4-year-old kid is brought to the emergency room by his mother. He has a history of poorly managed asthma, including noncompliance with medication and missed follow-up appointments. To maintain the family, the mother works two jobs and admits to having trouble getting the patient to appointments. Physical examination reveals a well-defined, spherical burn mark on the patient's thigh. When questioned about the burn, the patient responds, "That occurs every time I mess up. My father informed me." His mother corrects him, stating that the accident was caused by the youngster "playing with the cigarette lighter in the car." Which of the following is the best next step in this patient's care?

A) Arrange for medical hospitalization to ensure the patient's safety
B) Call security and then ask the mother to leave the room to interview the patient alone
C) Confront the mother about whether the burns were truly accidental
D) Contact the patient's father for further information regarding the burn
E) Notify child protective services