Introduction
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner’s (PMHNPS) role is to offer the entire spectrum of basic mental health treatment services in addition to biosocial evaluation and diagnosis of individuals with psychological diseases and co-occurring disorders. Nurses have to report cases of exploitation and neglect because they work on the forefront lines of healthcare.
Discussion
They are instructed to recognize the warning symptoms and signs of abuse and neglect, and they are obligated by regulation to report what they discover. Refusal to do so could result in sanctions from their employer, the nursing board, and even potential legal action. A nurse should contact a doctor, registered nurse, or physician assistant in the first instance if they have any suspicions of abuse or neglect. The examination should take effect without the suspected abuser present if the child is with them.
When the mother brings the boy to the PMHNPS, they should treat him with care and attention creating a soothing environment. After that, there should be a thorough check from head to toe to seek all the physical indications of abuse in the presence of a caregiver. In addition to the child’s words and nonverbal behavior, there should be a thorough recording and description of the exam findings. Whereas the boy is still in the treatment area, the nurse should call the police as quickly as feasible. Based on the state, nursing staff may be obligated to alert law enforcement to any suspicious injuries, regardless of whether the patient agrees or wants to file a complaint (Kumar et al. 2020). The nurse must contact either Adult Child Protection Services or Child Protection Services, depending on the form of abuse, and then follow up with a written report (Androus, 2022). Making use of additional resources, such as social care, may also be necessary.
Conclusion
Even if it is not mandated by law, nurses need to offer the mother to put the boy in touch with counseling resources. Victims frequently get caught in an abusive cycle that is challenging to break. Offering psychological support to deal with abuse can aid in breaking the cycle. The mandatory reporting legislation in each state should be understood by nurses. Most employers are straightforward when laying out expectations for their employees, but doctors have to be prepared in case they have to care for a boy.
References
Androus, A., B. (2022). What should a nurse do if they suspect a patient is a victim of abuse? Registered Nursing. Web.
Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioural health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275-280.