A nurse is assessing a child in the emergency department who has an ear infection. During the assessment, the nurse notes that the child has a swollen and split lip. The nurse decides to report the incident because:
1. The lip injury is unrelated to the ear infection.
2. Suspected abuse must be reported.
3. The child reports that a parent caused the injury.
4. The nurse can be sued if there is no abuse.
2. Suspected abuse must be reported.
Rationale:
Suspected child abuse must be reported by law. Health care personnel are protected by good faith immunity because the ultimate goal is the protection of the child. The lip injury being unrelated to the ear infection is not a reason to report the injury. Most children will not accuse an abuser; rather, they generally protect them. The reason for the law is that experts can assess the situation and determine if abuse has occurred. The nurse is protected by good faith immunity.
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