What is the ethical responsibility of nurses regarding child sexual abuse?

• A. All nurses are mandated reporters and must report suspected child sexual abuse
• B. Nurses can report if they choose
• C. Only doctors report
• D. No one is obligated to report

Answer: (A)

When nurses encounter suspected child sexual abuse, they have a legal and ethical duty to report it because they are mandated reporters. This means the profession requires acts to protect vulnerable children, not to withhold information. The rationale is to intervene early, safeguard the child, and enable investigators to assess safety and provide needed services. In practice, if abuse is suspected, the nurse should document objective observations and disclosures, then report promptly to the appropriate authority such as child protective services or a designated hotline. They should follow their facility’s reporting policies, inform a supervisor as required, and preserve any evidence while maintaining confidentiality within the bounds of mandatory reporting. Timeliness matters, and many laws assign penalties for failing to report, reflecting the seriousness of protecting children.

The other ideas aren’t correct because reporting is not optional and it isn’t limited to doctors; nurses and other professionals who work with children have a duty to report. No one is exempt from this obligation when suspicion arises.