When a 13-year-old girl confides in a nurse about being molested and has a positive pregnancy test, who should the nurse legally notify?

In this situation, the appropriate action for the nurse is to notify Child Protective Services (CPS) for immediate intervention. This is crucial because the girl is a minor who has disclosed incidents of molestation, which is a serious matter that impacts her safety and well-being. Mandatory reporting laws require that when a child is suspected to be a victim of abuse or neglect, professionals, including nurses, are obligated to report the situation to CPS. This agency has the resources and authority to investigate the allegations of abuse and determine the best course of action to protect the child.

Notifying CPS ensures that the minor receives prompt support and that appropriate legal and protective measures are put in place. It is essential to prioritize the girl's safety and ensure that the situation is handled by professionals trained to deal with such sensitive cases. Informing her mother about the pregnancy could possibly put the girl at further risk, depending on the family dynamics, and would not immediately address the critical issue of her safety from further harm. Thus, contacting CPS is the most responsible action to take in this scenario.