A 5-year-old girl is brought to the clinic for symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The nurse's assessment reveals bruises in the child's genital and rectal areas. The nurse's first priority with this client is:

A. Teach the mother about symptoms of UTI is not the nurse's first priority. While educating the mother about UTIs is important, the presence of bruises in the genital and rectal areas raises immediate concern for potential sexual abuse, which requires immediate action to ensure the child's safety. B. Report suspected sexual abuse to protective services is the nurse's first priority. Any signs of physical trauma or injury in areas typically covered by clothing, such as the genital and rectal areas, must be reported immediately. The nurse is a mandated reporter and is legally required to report any suspected abuse. Ensuring the safety of the child is paramount, and protective services will investigate the situation and take appropriate steps. C. Interview mother for child’s health history may be necessary later, but at this moment, the immediate concern is the possibility of sexual abuse. The nurse should report the findings to the appropriate authorities before discussing the situation further with the mother. D. Obtain a urine sample to confirm UTI is important for diagnosing the UTI but does not address the immediate concern regarding possible abuse. The child’s safety and well-being must be prioritized, and reporting the possible abuse is more urgent than confirming the UTI at this point.