Nurses must notify Child Protective Services immediately when a minor discloses abuse and pregnancy.

When a 13-year-old girl sits in the clinic and says she’s been molested and the pregnancy test is positive, the room can feel heavy with duty and urgency. This isn’t just a clinical puzzle—it’s a real-life moment where a nurse’s quick, compassionate action can shield a child from further harm. In most places, the right first move is clear: notify Child Protective Services (CPS) so the child can get immediate protection and support. This type of scenario is a staple in pediatric questions like those you’ll see framed in EAQ-style items. The goal is to blend clear thinking with a steady, patient-centered bedside manner.

Let’s start with the basics: what the law expects and why CPS stands front and center

Here’s the thing about mandatory reporting. Health professionals, teachers, social workers—people who work with children—are legally required to report suspicions of abuse or neglect. The moment a child discloses abuse, especially in a case where there’s a pregnancy, CPS is the agency trained and authorized to begin an investigation, assess danger, and coordinate supports. The aim isn’t to blame or to make snap judgments about a family. It’s to protect the child and connect her with services—medical care, counseling, safe housing if needed, and a plan to reduce the risk of further harm.

What about the other options you might consider, like police or telling the mother right away? Each has a role, but in this scenario the priority is safeguarding the minor. Police are essential when a serious crime is suspected or has occurred, and they can become involved if CPS determines there’s criminal activity or if their involvement is requested as part of the protective process. Primary care providers play a critical role in medical care for pregnancy and well-being, but they don’t take the lead on the protective investigation—that’s CPS’s job. And telling the mother immediately? In many cases, that can put the child at greater risk, especially if the family dynamics include potential retaliation or disbelief. The nurse’s first action is to connect the child with protective services so that safety planning and supports can begin without delay.

A practical walk-through: what you do in the moment

• Verify safety right away. Privately check whether the girl is in immediate danger. If she is, you act—follow your facility’s emergency protocol and contact local emergency services. The goal is to remove or reduce risk as quickly as possible.

• Use careful, nonjudgmental language. You don’t want to imply blame or shame. Phrases like “I’m glad you told me” and “I’m here to help you stay safe” can make a big difference. The patient needs to feel heard and respected, not judged.

• Document thoroughly. Write down exactly what the patient disclosed, any physical findings, the pregnancy test result, dates, and who was present. Note the patient’s stated concerns and any injuries or symptoms she describes. Accurate, objective documentation is essential for CPS and for ongoing medical care.

• Notify CPS immediately. This is the core step. You’ll share the relevant information: the age of the patient, the disclosure of molestation, the positive pregnancy test, the current safety status, and any immediate medical needs. Follow your local reporting process—each jurisdiction has its own hotlines, online portals, or designated offices.

• Protect confidentiality while acting. Share information with CPS and, per policy, with appropriate medical and social work staff. Do not disclose details to people who aren’t part of the protective or medical team. Confidentiality is important, but it’s not absolute when a child’s safety is at stake.

• Don’t assume you know what’s best for the family without guidance. After reporting, a CPS caseworker will work on a safety plan. You’ll coordinate with them to ensure your patient’s medical needs are addressed while the investigation unfolds.

• Provide medical care with consent in mind. A minor may have the right to consent to certain medical services, including prenatal care or counseling, depending on local law. In many places, teens can access confidential care for pregnancy-related services, contraception, and testing. Your role is to offer appropriate medical care, explain options, and respect the patient’s choices while keeping safety at the forefront.

• Coordinate with the care team. Social workers, counselors, and pediatricians should be in the loop. A coordinated plan helps the patient move from crisis toward stability, with resources for safety, mental health support, and ongoing medical needs.

• Plan follow-up conversations. Reassure the patient that you’ll be here for continued care and support. Schedule follow-ups as appropriate, and ensure there’s a clear point of contact within CPS and your healthcare team.

Why CPS is the first-stop call, and what that means for the patient

CPS is designed to assess danger and mobilize protections. The immediate priority is to ensure the minor’s safety and to begin a legal and social framework that supports her wellbeing. This includes arranging safe housing if needed, connecting with child advocacy services, and coordinating medical and psychological care that’s appropriate for a young person facing both sexual abuse and pregnancy.

Think of CPS as the team that assembles the resources this child needs in the next hours and days. They can coordinate a forensic interview (if appropriate), evaluate whether the child requires protection from ongoing abuse, and connect the family with social supports. The nurse’s job is to initiate that process, document clearly, and maintain a compassionate presence for the patient during a turbulent time.

Common questions that often pop up in real-life cases

• What if the patient is hesitant to involve CPS? People worry about breaking trust. Explain gently that CPS exists to protect her and to provide support. Most patients appreciate that reporting is not about punishment; it’s about safety and options for moving forward.

• Should police be contacted right away? If there is an immediate danger or if a crime is suspected that requires law enforcement involvement, police may be notified. However, the protective investigation and ongoing support typically fall to CPS. The two agencies can coordinate, but the initial report in many cases is to CPS.

• Can the mother be told immediately about the pregnancy? This depends on local laws and the child’s safety. In some situations, informing a parent could risk the child’s safety. Your commitment is to protect the child; CPS will guide any parent notification when it aligns with safety and legal requirements.

• What about the pregnancy itself—how does medical care fit in? The pregnancy needs medical attention, and a minor may be able to consent to prenatal care and related services in many places. Your role is to ensure access to care, discuss options, and respect the patient’s decisions while safeguarding her health and privacy.

A real-world lens: turning a tough moment into a constructive path

This isn’t a theoretical test question. It’s a real moment when clinical judgment, legal obligations, and human compassion intersect. The correct move—calling CPS for immediate intervention—embodies the core duty of pediatric care: safeguard the child, support the survivor, and pave a path toward healing. You’re not just treating symptoms; you’re protecting a young life and connecting a frightened person with a safety net.

If you’re sifting through EAQ-style scenarios, you’ll notice how often the strongest answers hinge on prioritizing safety, clarity, and appropriate referrals. The scenario with a 13-year-old girl, molestation disclosures, and a positive pregnancy test is exactly the kind of case where the medical and protective responsibilities collide—and where the right choice is crystal clear, even under pressure.

A few practical takeaways to carry forward

• Prioritize safety. If there’s any indication of ongoing risk, safety planning comes first. CPS will manage the protective steps, while you ensure medical needs are addressed.

• Communicate with care. Your tone and language matter. Validate her experience, avoid judgment, and explain what you’ll do next in plain terms.

• Document without bias. Record precisely what was said, the patient’s own words when possible, and concrete observations. Neutral, thorough notes save time and reduce confusion later.

• Know the pathways. Understand your local reporting requirements, the CPS intake process, and the roles of other professionals in the care team. When you know the route, you can move quickly and confidently.

• Remember the bigger goal. It’s not just about a test result or a single interview. It’s about safety, support, and helping a young person find a way forward that protects her health and dignity.

A gentle note on the learning journey

Pediatric care is full of challenging moments—scenarios like this one test not only clinical knowledge but also judgment, empathy, and resilience. You’re not expected to have all the answers in a single moment. You’re expected to know the right steps, to act swiftly, and to lean on the protective systems that exist to keep kids safe. EAQ-style questions mirror this reality by prompting you to connect medical care with protective actions, ethical considerations, and real-world procedures.

If you’re exploring topics aligned with pediatric assessment and safety, this kind of case helps link theory to practice. It’s not about memorizing every rule; it’s about internalizing a process: listen, protect, report, and care for the whole person.

Resources you can rely on

• Child Protective Services hotlines and local reporting channels. Each state or country has its own contact points—keep a quick reference handy as part of your clinical toolkit.

• National and regional guidelines on child abuse, mandatory reporting, and pediatric care for minors. These are useful to understand the boundaries between medical care, confidentiality, and protective intervention.

• Counseling and social work services within the hospital or community health system. A strong, multidisciplinary team makes a big difference for a survivor navigating fear, uncertainty, and medical needs.

In closing, when a young patient speaks up about abuse and faces a positive pregnancy test, CPS isn’t just one more step on a checklist. It’s the lifeline that begins a pathway to safety and healing. The nurse’s role is to be both a steady anchor and a bridge—to the protective system, to medical care, and to the compassionate support a frightened teen deserves. That combination—care plus protection—defines the essence of pediatric nursing in moments like these.

If you’re reading EAQ-style items to sharpen your clinical instincts, keep this scenario in mind. The best answers aren’t just technically correct; they’re human-centered, legally informed, and rooted in a deep commitment to a child’s safety. And that’s exactly where effective pediatric care starts.