Child Maltreatment Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is child neglect?
Failure of a parent to provide basic needs / care
Child neglect typically affects children of what age?
< 5 years old
Why are children < 5 years old most at risk for child neglect?
They rely on adults for basic needs - food, water, clothing (cannot get help)
What are the types of neglect? (4)
- Physical
- Emotional
- Lack of intervention / fostering maladaptive behavior
- Destruction of self-esteem
What are some examples of obvious evidence of physical abuse? (3)
- Twisted arm
- Multiple fractures
- Bruising on an immobile child
What is the most important factor in determining whether physical evidence is inflicted or accidental?
Whether or not history is compatible with the injury - does the story make sense regarding the extent of the injury?
What is munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)?
Medical child abuse / factitious disorder by proxy
What are the warning signs of munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)? (5)
- Fabrication of history
- Exaggeration of symptoms
- Caregiver implying how the child feels
- Child unresponsive to treatments
- Child acts different once the caregiver leaves the room
Who is the typical perpetrator of munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)?
Parent with healthcare background - misleads healthcare workers
What are the manifestations of munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)? (3)
- Nausea / vomiting / diarrhea
- Altered mental status
- Seizures
What questions are used to determine munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)? (3)
- Is there any diagnostic evidence to support?
- Has anyone else witnessed symptoms?
- Do symptoms resolve once child is removed from the perpetrator?
What is failure to thrive?
Inability to obtain / use calories needed to grow
______ is not always due to child maltreatment, but may be associated in some cases
Failure to thrive
What is the growth requirement to confirm diagnosis of failure to thrive?
< 5th percentile for height / weight
What are the categories of failure to thrive? (3)
- Inadequate caloric intake
- Inadequate caloric absorption
- Excessive caloric expenditure (ex. hyperthyroidism)
What tests may be used in the diagnosis of failure to thrive? (2)
- Stool samples
- Lead levels
Treatment of failure to thrive is aimed at …
Identification / treatment of the underlying cause
Describe the nursing interventions associated with failure to thrive (5)
- Daily height / weight measurements
- Calorie dense foods
- Multivitamins
- Feeding schedule
- Encourage parental bonding while feeding
