What should the nurse do when Phillip discloses potential abuse and asks you to keep it secret?

What should the nurse do when Phillip discloses potential abuse and asks you to keep it secret?

• A. Report the suspected abuse to social services.
• B. Document the disclosure in the chart and continue care.
• C. Advise the patient to keep it secret.
• D. Tell the family about the disclosure.

Answer: (A)

When a patient discloses possible abuse, safety and legal obligations require immediate action to protect the patient. You must report the information to the appropriate social services or protective agency. Confidentiality has limits in abuse situations, and mandatory reporting is a key responsibility to ensure the patient’s safety and access to protection and resources. Explain to the patient that you are required by law to report suspected abuse and cannot promise secrecy in this situation. Document the disclosure verbatim, noting what was said, any injuries observed, dates, times, and relevant details, as well as any immediate safety concerns. Then initiate the formal report to social services promptly and coordinate with them regarding next steps. Continue to provide care and support, and offer safety planning and resources, while keeping information confidential from family members not involved in the report. If the patient is a minor or a vulnerable adult, or there is imminent danger, reporting is mandatory regardless of the patient’s wishes.

When a patient discloses possible abuse, safety and legal obligations require immediate action to protect the patient. You must report the information to the appropriate social services or protective agency. Confidentiality has limits in abuse situations, and mandatory reporting is a key responsibility to ensure the patient’s safety and access to protection and resources.

Explain to the patient that you are required by law to report suspected abuse and cannot promise secrecy in this situation. Document the disclosure verbatim, noting what was said, any injuries observed, dates, times, and relevant details, as well as any immediate safety concerns. Then initiate the formal report to social services promptly and coordinate with them regarding next steps.

Continue to provide care and support, and offer safety planning and resources, while keeping information confidential from family members not involved in the report. If the patient is a minor or a vulnerable adult, or there is imminent danger, reporting is mandatory regardless of the patient’s wishes.