You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. What should you do?

The situation involves the care of a child with a possible fracture and concerns regarding potential abuse, which requires a sensitive and legally sound approach. The correct action is to advise the parents that the child needs to be transported to the hospital. This choice prioritizes the child's safety and well-being while allowing for appropriate medical evaluation and intervention.

Transporting the child to the hospital ensures that they receive necessary medical attention for the injury and also allows health care professionals to assess the situation further, which includes evaluating any signs of abuse. It is essential for the child to be seen by medical experts who are trained to handle such sensitive cases. Additionally, this action aligns with the legal obligations of healthcare providers to report suspicions of abuse while ensuring the child's immediate medical needs are addressed.

By doing so, it also helps in maintaining a level of communication with the parents, rather than immediately taking a confrontational approach. This can assist in gathering more information, which can be crucial for any investigations or assessments made by authorities later.