In a situation where a child's seizure episodes are provoked by harsh verbal exchanges, which community resource should the nurse refer to?

When a child's seizure episodes are provoked by harsh verbal exchanges, it indicates that the triggering factor may be related to the child's emotional or psychological environment. Referring to Child Protective Services (CPS) is appropriate in this context because it suggests that the child could be experiencing emotional abuse or a challenging home environment that negatively affects their wellbeing.

CPS is equipped to handle situations where a child's safety and emotional health may be compromised due to parental or guardian behaviors, including verbal abuse. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s experiences and provide the necessary interventions to ensure the child's protection and support. Involving CPS can lead to obtaining resources for the family as well, which could help address the underlying issues contributing to the child’s seizure incidents.

While local healthcare providers and community mental health services are also valuable resources, they may not be equipped to directly intervene in situations of potential abuse. School counseling services can provide support within an academic setting, but they may not have the authority to address severe family issues that warrant the intervention of child protection services. Thus, ensuring the child's safety and addressing the root cause of the seizures through CPS is a critical and appropriate course of action.