A nurse is caring for a child and suspects the child has experienced physical maltreatment. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Saying, "It is not your fault that this happened," is correct. This statement reassures the child that they are not to blame for the abuse, which is crucial in reducing feelings of guilt or self-blame. It also helps build trust between the child and the nurse. B. Saying, "This should not have happened to you," is incorrect. While it acknowledges the wrongdoing, it does not directly reassure the child that they are not responsible for the situation. C. Saying, "I promise I won’t tell anyone about this," is incorrect and unethical. Healthcare professionals are mandated reporters and must report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Making such a promise could lead to broken trust when the nurse is required to disclose the information. D. Saying, "You should have told someone about this sooner," is incorrect. This statement may make the child feel guilty or ashamed for not speaking up earlier, which can discourage further disclosure and hinder emotional healing.