A nurse suspects a child is being abused. What action should the nurse take first?

A nurse suspects a child is being abused. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Document observations in the chart
• B. Notify the nurse supervisor
• C. Report the suspected abuse to the authorities
• D. Discuss concern with the child's caregiver

Answer: (C)

The priority is to safeguard the child by making a timely report to the authorities. Nurses are mandated reporters, and reporting suspected abuse to child protective services or the appropriate authorities initiates a formal safety evaluation and helps protect the child from further harm. While documenting objective observations is important, it should accompany the report rather than replace it, and delaying reporting or discussing concerns with the caregiver can put the child at greater risk and hinder investigation. After reporting, follow your agency’s procedures for documentation and notifying the supervisor as required.

The priority is to safeguard the child by making a timely report to the authorities. Nurses are mandated reporters, and reporting suspected abuse to child protective services or the appropriate authorities initiates a formal safety evaluation and helps protect the child from further harm. While documenting objective observations is important, it should accompany the report rather than replace it, and delaying reporting or discussing concerns with the caregiver can put the child at greater risk and hinder investigation. After reporting, follow your agency’s procedures for documentation and notifying the supervisor as required.