What action should a nurse take if a school-age child's injuries appear inconsistent with the parent's explanation?

When a nurse encounters a situation where a school-age child's injuries appear inconsistent with the parent's explanation, the most appropriate action is to report the suspected abuse to the appropriate agency. This response is rooted in the nurse's ethical and legal responsibility to protect the welfare of the child.

In cases of potential child abuse, the nurse must take the discrepancies seriously, as they may indicate that the child is in a harmful situation. Reporting allows trained professionals to investigate the situation further and determine if the child requires intervention for their safety. This action can lead to protection for the child and intervention that may help the family in dealing with underlying issues.

By contrast, simply consulting the parents for more information may not adequately address the concern, as they may not provide truthful or complete information due to fear of repercussions. Ignoring the inconsistencies poses a significant risk to the child's safety and well-being, potentially allowing ongoing abuse to continue unchecked. Conducting further assessments for injuries, while important in a clinical context, does not address the immediate obligation to report suspected abuse and does not ensure the child's safety.

In summary, reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate agency is the correct response because it prioritizes the child's safety and aligns with the legal requirements surrounding mandatory reporting of child abuse.