A nurse is talking privately with an adolescent who has disclosed that their facial fractures are the result of their punishment for coming home 1 hr after their curfew. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "Your parent was wrong to hit you for coming home late.": While this may be true, such a statement can be perceived as judgmental and might shut down communication. The priority is to provide support while following proper reporting procedures. B. "I'm guessing your other parent did not do anything to stop this from happening.": Making assumptions or placing blame on others can be harmful and may discourage the adolescent from sharing more details. It also detracts from focusing on the victim's needs. C. "It is not your fault that this happened to you.": This response offers emotional support and helps the adolescent avoid self-blame, which is common in abuse situations. It reassures the adolescent and fosters trust in the nurse. D. "I won't tell anyone else about this unless you say it's okay.": This is misleading as nurses are mandatory reporters and must report suspected abuse. Promising confidentiality that cannot be upheld can damage trust and lead to legal and ethical issues.