A nurse notes multiple bruises and fearful behavior in an adult client and suspects the client may be experiencing abuse. Which action is most appropriate based on mandatory-reporting laws for nurses?
Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate agency or authority immediately, following facility policy.
Confront the suspected abuser to obtain clarification before taking further steps.
Arrange for the client to be transferred to a different unit while gathering additional evidence.
Document the findings and continue to monitor the client until the abuse is confirmed.
Nurses are legally and ethically required to report suspected abuse-verification or proof is not required. Reporting promptly to the designated agency (for example, adult protective services or the facility's abuse hotline) initiates an investigation by the proper authorities and helps protect the client. Simply documenting and waiting for additional evidence, confronting the suspected perpetrator, or transferring the client without reporting can delay intervention and place the client at further risk.
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NCLEX RN
Psychosocial Integrity
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