Which of the following requires a physician to act immediately?

The requirement for a physician to act immediately pertains to cases of suspected child abuse due to the potential for ongoing harm to a vulnerable population. In situations where there are signs indicating that a child may be facing abuse, immediate action is crucial for several reasons. First, children are unable to advocate for themselves, making it imperative for professionals to intervene swiftly to ensure their safety and well-being.

Healthcare providers have a legal and ethical duty to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. This obligation not only protects the child but also helps prevent further abuse from occurring. Moreover, the signs of child abuse can sometimes be subtle and may require timely assessment and intervention to ensure a child's safety and to gather necessary evidence.

Other scenarios listed, such as a patient presenting with symptoms of a cold, a minor seeking consent for a psychological examination, and an adult requesting a routine check-up, do not carry the same urgency. While these situations are important to address, they do not typically involve immediate risks to life or safety that mandate instant medical intervention or reporting. Thus, the nature of suspected child abuse categorically requires immediate attention and action from a physician.