learning application\ndr. smith is a pediatrician at metropolitan hospital. his newest patient is a baby…
learning application\ndr. smith is a pediatrician at metropolitan hospital. his newest patient is a baby girl who was born at full - term but only weighed four pounds. the baby is having difficulty eating, cries constantly and seems especially irritable when the medical staff touches her to perform any procedures. dr. smith has ruled out all other medical conditions and suspects the baby was exposed to drugs. as a mandated reporter, what should he do?\nselect an option below\nrefer the mother to drug and alcohol counseling so she can take care of her daughter\nreport the mothers drug problems to the police\ninvestigate by questioning the mother and other family members\nreport the case to dfcs as soon as he suspects the baby was exposed to drugs prenatally
Answer
Brief Explanations:
As a mandated reporter, when a medical - professional suspects a child has been exposed to drugs prenatally, they are legally required to report the case to the appropriate child - welfare agency (in this case, DFCS). Referring the mother to counseling is not the first step in reporting. Reporting to the police is not the typical first - line action for suspected prenatal drug exposure. Investigating on their own is not the role of the mandated reporter; their role is to report the suspicion.
Answer:
Report the case to DFCS as soon as he suspects the baby was exposed to drugs prenatally