A pediatric nurse observes multiple bruises in various stages of healing on a 4-year-old child during a routine check-up. The parent provides inconsistent and vague explanations for the injuries. What is the nurse's primary ethical and legal responsibility?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
Nurses are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. The priority is the child's safety, and this requires reporting to child protective services, not just providing advice or counseling, or confronting the parent directly.