A nurse at an urgent-care clinic is caring for a school-age child who has several visible bruises. The child's parent states, "My partner got fired today and came home angry. I don't think this will happen again." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: This response is dismissive and invalidates the potential risk to the child. It also implies the nurse is making assumptions about future safety without proper assessment, which is inappropriate and unethical. Choice B reason: While the situation may warrant legal action, it is not the nurse’s role to instruct the parent to file charges. This statement is accusatory and may shut down communication, preventing further disclosure. Choice C reason: Although mandatory reporting is required when child abuse is suspected, this statement is abrupt and lacks therapeutic engagement. It may escalate fear or defensiveness in the parent, hindering the nurse’s ability to gather more information. Choice D reason: This response uses therapeutic communication to encourage the parent to share more details. It allows the nurse to assess the situation thoroughly while maintaining a supportive and nonjudgmental tone, which is essential before initiating mandatory reporting procedures.