Which situation requires the nurse to file a report to authorities?

In the context of nursing and healthcare, specific situations necessitate reporting to authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. When a client denies caregiver abuse but presents with suspicious bruising, this raises significant concerns about potential harm and the risk of ongoing abuse. The presence of unexplained injuries, especially when the client denies abuse, creates a situation where the nurse has a legal and ethical obligation to report these findings to the appropriate authorities.

This requirement stems from the nurse's responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, including those who may not be able to advocate for themselves due to fear, manipulation, or physical incapacitation. Reporting allows for an investigation to take place, which can help safeguard the client and others who might be at risk.

In contrast, while the other situations may involve important considerations, they do not universally require reporting to authorities. For instance, an intoxicated client involved in a car accident might require medical attention and possible legal ramifications, but it does not automatically trigger mandatory reporting by the nurse. Similarly, a family’s refusal of an autopsy following a traumatic death indicates personal choice rather than abuse. The request from a spouse for information on sexually transmitted diseases involves matters of confidentiality and patient autonomy, which also do not necessitate reporting to authorities.