A school nurse is assessing a child and notes various bruises on the child's body that are unexplained. Which of the following actions should the school nurse take?

Rationale: A. Arrange for a meeting with the child's guardians tomorrow: Meeting with the guardians may be appropriate later, but initially, the nurse must follow mandatory reporting laws. Waiting to meet could delay protection for the child and place them at further risk. B. Notify the president of the school board: Reporting to school administration does not replace legal obligations to report suspected child abuse. The school board president is not the appropriate authority for immediate child protection. C. Ask the child's peers about the bruises: Questioning peers is inappropriate and could violate privacy or compromise the investigation. The nurse should not attempt to investigate the situation personally. D. Report the findings to child protective services: As a mandated reporter, the nurse is legally required to report any suspected child abuse immediately to child protective services. This action ensures the child’s safety and initiates an official investigation.