Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

In a situation where a child is found with a gun, the most appropriate response is to immediately call for emergency assistance. This action prioritizes the safety of the child and others in the surrounding area. Rapidly notifying law enforcement professionals ensures that trained experts can handle the situation. They have the expertise and resources to assess the surrounding context, manage the risks associated with firearms, and intervene in a manner that minimizes potential harm.

Delaying action to evaluate the situation can lead to increased risk for both the child and bystanders. Confronting the child in an attempt to take the gun away could escalate the situation and lead to dangerous outcomes. Leaving the area to avoid conflict may remove an individual from an immediate threat but does not protect the child or others from the risks posed by the presence of a firearm. Therefore, promptly calling for emergency assistance is the best course of action to ensure everyone's safety.