A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old adolescent who was accompanied to the emergency department. The nurse suspects that the adolescent might be experiencing human trafficking. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Dismiss suspicions since the nurse is not able to assist victims of human trafficking: Ignoring potential signs of human trafficking can place the adolescent at continued risk and fails to meet the nurse’s ethical and legal responsibilities to protect vulnerable patients. B. Avoid conversations or questions that may upset the adolescent or the accompanying person: Avoiding inquiry prevents the nurse from gathering critical information to identify and protect the adolescent from harm. Sensitive, trauma-informed questioning is essential. C. Contact the appropriate hospital and law enforcement resources and follow organizational protocols: Following institutional protocols and notifying designated authorities ensures the adolescent receives protection, proper assessment, and support services, while maintaining safety and legal compliance. D. Confront the person accompanying the adolescent: Direct confrontation can escalate danger, compromise the adolescent’s safety, and interfere with investigation. Professional protocols and law enforcement involvement are safer and more effective.