A community health nurse visits a home and notices multiple bruises on a 4-year-old child. The mother reports that her husband is an alcoholic and is currently sleeping. What action should the nurse take?
A) The nurse should question the mother about sexual abuse.
B) Interventions directed at family violence should begin.
C) The nurse must report the case of suspected child abuse to authorities.
D) The nurse should refer the mother to a social worker or Al-Anon group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is mandated to report suspected child abuse to authorities. The presence of multiple bruises on a child in the context of known domestic violence and alcoholism raises serious concerns about the child's safety and well-being. The nurse must follow legal and ethical guidelines for reporting and documenting suspected abuse or neglect. Intervention and support for the family may also be necessary, but reporting the suspected abuse must come first.

A Community Health Nurse Visits a Home and Notices Multiple