A 9-year-old child presents to a school nurse with complaints of arm and leg pain. upon assessment, the nurse identifies numerous purple to yellow ecchymotic areas. when asked, the child says that the bruises are the result of "being in trouble at home." which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Answer: Contact the authorities immediately

The nurse should objectively document her assessment that entails description of physical findings of abuse in the medical record and she have a duty to report cases of actual or suspected abuse in the child to the authorities. In addition, the nurse must also provide appropriate treatment to the child like giving cold compress or pain reliever.