Child Abuse and Neglect > Pediatrics
Exam Review
Legal and Ethical Obligations of the Nurse to Report Suspected or Confirmed Cases of Child Abuse and Neglect
Total Questions : 4
Showing 4 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for a child who has multiple bruises and fractures in different stages of healing. The nurse suspects that the child is a victim of physical abuse. What is the nurse's legal obligation in this situation?
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because confronting the parents with the suspicion of abuse may put the child at further risk of harm or retaliation. The nurse should not disclose the suspicion to anyone who is not authorized or involved in the investigation.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the nurse has a legal obligation to report any Reasonable suspicion of child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities and agencies, such as child protective services, law enforcement, or health department, depending on the state laws and regulations. The nurse should follow the reporting procedures and protocols of the facility and state.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because reporting the suspicion to the nurse manager and documenting the findings in the child's chart are not sufficient actions to fulfill the legal obligation of the nurse. The nurse manager may not have the authority or responsibility to report or investigate the case, and documenting the findings does not ensure that the child will receive protection or intervention.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because reporting the suspicion to the social worker and asking for a referral to a child protection service are not immediate or direct actions to fulfill the legal obligation of the nurse. The social worker may not be available or qualified to handle the case, and asking for a referral does not guarantee that the report will be made or followed up.
A nurse is teaching a group of parents about child abuse and neglect prevention. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because seeking professional help, such as counseling, therapy, or support groups, can help parents cope with stress, anger, frustration, or other emotions that may trigger abusive or neglectful behaviors toward their children. Parents should also learn healthy coping skills and stress management techniques to prevent maltreatment.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because using physical punishment, such as hitting, spanking, slapping, or shaking, can cause physical and emotional harm to children, and may escalate into abuse. Physical punishment is not an effective way of disciplining children, as it teaches them that violence is acceptable and does not address the underlying causes of their misbehavior. Parents should use positive reinforcement, natural consequences, time-outs, or other nonviolent methods of discipline instead.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because monitoring children's online activities and limiting their exposure to violent media can help prevent them from being exposed to inappropriate or harmful content, such as pornography, cyberbullying, sexting, or grooming by predators. Violent media can also desensitize children to aggression and violence, and influence their attitudes and behaviors. Parents should set rules and boundaries for their children's internet use, and educate them about online safety and etiquette.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respecting children's privacy does not mean avoiding asking them personal questions. Parents should maintain open and honest communication with their children, and show interest and concern for their well-being. Parents should ask their children about their feelings, thoughts, experiences, friends, activities, schoolwork, etc., and listen attentively and empathetically. Parents should also be aware of any signs or changes that may indicate that their children are experiencing problems or difficulties.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because educating children about their rights and how to seek help if they feel unsafe can empower them to protect themselves from abuse and neglect. Children should know that they have a right to be treated with respect, dignity, care, and protection, and that they have a right to say no to anything that makes them uncomfortable or hurts them. Children should also know how to identify trusted adults who can help them in case of maltreatment, such as teachers, counselors, nurses, doctors, police officers, etc., and how to contact them.
A nurse is interviewing a child who has been referred to a child protection service for suspected sexual abuse. The child is reluctant to talk and appears fearful and ashamed. What is the most appropriate statement for the nurse to make to the child?
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because telling the child that they don't have to be afraid of the nurse may not be effective in reducing their fear or anxiety. The child may not trust the nurse or feel comfortable with them, especially if they have been threatened or manipulated by the abuser. The nurse should instead try to establish rapport and trust with the child, by using a calm and gentle tone of voice, maintaining eye contact, using open-ended questions, and validating the child's feelings.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because telling the child that they did the right thing by telling someone what happened to them may not be appropriate at this stage of the interview. The child may not have disclosed the abuse yet, or may have been coerced or pressured to do so by someone else. The nurse should instead encourage the child to share their story at their own pace, and reassure them that they are safe and supported.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because telling the child that they are not to blame for what happened to them and that it's not their fault can help them cope with the feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame that are common among victims of sexual abuse. The nurse should emphasize that the responsibility and accountability lie with the abuser, who violated the child's rights and boundaries, and that the child did nothing wrong or deserved what happened to them.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because telling the child that they have to tell everything that happened to them and that it's very important may put pressure on the child and make them feel overwhelmed or defensive. The child may not be ready or willing to disclose the details of the abuse, or may fear the consequences of doing so, such as retaliation from the abuser, disbelief from others, or legal involvement. The nurse should instead respect the child's autonomy and privacy, and avoid forcing or rushing them to talk.
A nurse is providing education to a group of adolescents about dating violence prevention. One of the adolescents asks the nurse how to recognize if their partner is abusive. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because an abusive partner is not someone who loves their partner too much or wants to protect them from others. This is a common misconception that romanticizes abuse and excuses it as a sign of passion or devotion. An abusive partner does not love their partner, but rather uses them as an object of their own gratification or domination. An abusive partner does not protect their partner from others, but rather isolates them from their family, friends, or other sources of support or help.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an abusive partner is not someone who respects their partner's opinions and decisions, even if they disagree with them. This is a characteristic of a healthy and respectful relationship, where both partners value each other's individuality and autonomy, and communicate openly and honestly about their differences. An abusive partner does not respect their partner's opinions and decisions, but rather criticizes, belittles, or ignores them, and tries to impose their own views or preferences on them.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because an abusive partner is someone who tries to control their partner's behavior, feelings, thoughts, or choices. This is a characteristic of an unhealthy and abusive relationship, where one partner exerts power and influence over the other partner through various tactics, such as threats, coercion, manipulation, intimidation, isolation, jealousy, blame, guilt, etc. An abusive partner does not care about their partner's well-being or happiness, but rather about their own needs or desires.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because an abusive partner is not someone who supports their partner's goals and interests, even if they are different from theirs. This is a characteristic of a healthy and supportive relationship, where both partners encourage and celebrate each other's achievements and aspirations. An abusive partner does not support their partner's goals and interests, but rather discourages, sabotages, or interferes with them, and tries to make their partner dependent on them.
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