Ginny is an 8-year-old whose mother brought her to the office because "there must be something wrong with her; she is always complaining that she hurts somewhere." You notice bruises on Ginny's legs, and what appears to be a burn mark on the back of her left hand. Ginny sits quietly on the exam table while you take the history and her vital signs. You suspect that Ginny may be abused. What should you do? 

A. Explain to Ginny's mother that children should not be struck
B. Ask Ginny if anyone has been hitting her
C. Ask Ginny's mother if anyone has been abusing her daughter
D. Inform your supervising licensed practitioner
E. Tell Ginny's mother to take her to a school counselor

D. Inform your supervising licensed practitioner
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected while you are working as a medical assistant, you must inform your supervising licensed practitioner and contact the child protection agency in your community.