What should be the nurse's priority action if child maltreatment is suspected?

Rationale: A. Keeping the suspicion to oneself can delay necessary intervention and put the child at further risk. B. Waiting for further evidence is not appropriate; nurses are mandated reporters and do not need to prove abuse—only to report suspicion. C. Confronting the caregiver may escalate the situation and is not within the nurse’s role for handling suspected maltreatment. D. Reporting to the appropriate agency (such as child protective services) is the correct and legal action required to protect the child and initiate proper investigation.