Assessment
What assessment findings of the integumentary system might exhibit signs of abuse?
Burn marks, choke marks around the neck, cigarette burns, circular marks around the wrists and ankles, and bite marks.
After completing your assessment, the findings indicate a possible head injury and signs of ICP. What diagnostic scan can we anticipate will be ordered?
Head CT
What is one obstacle would you face when providing care for this patient?
Parents unwillingness to cooperate
After evaluating the patient for child maltreatment, what is the priority intervention and legal responsibility of the nurse?
State mandated reporting
Name one example of verbal abuse
Taunting, insults, and name-calling
What test should be performed with all females prior to diagnostic scans?
HCG test (pregnancy test)
Why might the child be afraid of adults?
The abuse could take place at home by an adult, so the child thinks "abuse" when it comes to an adult.
True or false: Any type of abuse can influence a child's brain development.
True
What is the most important criteria to base reporting abuse?
Incompatible history and injuries
What is an example of a "normal" mark on a child's body?
A scratch on the elbow, a scrape on the knee, etc.
Give an example of what a CBC tests for?
Inflammation, infection, bruising, and bleeding
What is one long term risk for this patient?
Emotional trauma
What form of nonverbal means of self expression will the nurse utilize to help engage child in communication regarding their trauma?
Music therapy
“Blank” is a serious form of physical abuse caused by violently shaking infants and young children?
Abusive head trauma “AHT”
Name one family risk factors that we should assess for that puts the child at a higher risk for being abused?
Alcoholism, domestic violence, drug abuse, being a single parent, lack of education, poverty
You assessed your patients abdomen to find multiple abnormal bruises. Name one scan we can anticipate the Doctor will order?
FAST, US, CT and MRI
What type of resources would you provide this patient?
Support groups for victims of abuse
Social services provides what type of resources to child?
Financial support, assistance with child care, counseling, material resources.
A suggestive behavior that signals abuse is?
Apparent fear of parents or going home
Name one type of head injury might we see in a victim of abuse
Skull injuries, bald spots, bruises behind the ears
Your young patient is expressing concern prior to their CT of the head. Name one way you can ease their mind regarding this upcoming test?
Talk with your patient and explain what will be happening and what they might be concerned about, distraction (Watch TV), possibly medicate (last resort)
How will you objectively care for this patient without involving your personal beliefs?
Leaving your feelings at the door
What does cognitive behavior therapy target?
Trauma, PTSD and anxiety.
What is Neglect?
The failure of a caregiver to provide the child’s basic needs and an adequate level of care