OnlineMedEd: Pediatrics - "Child Abuse"

Question 1

What child factors increase the risk of abuse?

Answer 1

• Disability: cognitive, physical

* Prematurity

Question 2

What caregiver features increase the risk of abuse?

Answer 2

• Non-biologic parent (mom’s boyfriend probably did it)
• Low SES
• Single parent
• Young parent

Question 3

List the types of injuries that suggest abuse.

Answer 3

• Bones: any kind of fracture in a child too young to walk; greenstick fractures; any fracture without a realistic injury that could have caused it
• Bruises in various stages of healing
• SDH
• Retinal hemorrhages
• Punctate burns
• Submersion burns
• Any STD
• Anal/vaginal trauma

Question 4

List three behaviors in a child that suggest abuse.

Answer 4

• Absence of crying (the kid has learned that crying leads to angry parent)
• Not comforted by POC but comforted by nurse or healthcare worker
• Running from caretaker