Child abuse & Neglect

Pediatrics: Mental Health

Interventions
When child abuse is suspected, the first thing that must be done in nursing process is assessment.

Assessment
ATI
Conduct a detailed interview & physical A 2-year-old boy … severe dental caries, dry
examination NCLEX TIP mucous membranes, and a diaper that is soaked
with urine and stool. Which of the following is
Assess parent-child interaction the next step in managing this patient?

Abuse: blaming, refusal to comfort, Assess caregiver interactions with the child

& belittling
Changes in story

HESI
Q1: The parent and a 6-year-old child presents to the clinic ... The child

Report to Authorities
weighs 35 pounds (15.9 kg), is wearing torn and dirty clothing, and sits
quietly with an apparent subtle rocking motion... nurse’s next actions?
It’s totally your fault!

Select all that apply

1. Take the child’s height and vital signs
After a detailed assessment & full history 2. Assess the child for any bruising or lacerations

3. Ask the accompanying parent to leave the room

RT
REPO 4. Ask the child about attendance at school

5. Stay with the child during the healthcare provider’s assessment

Communication Q2: Suspected child abuse: What type of questions would help the
nurse to elicit information from the person?
Open-ended questions that require descriptive responses
1. Not your fault & you are not to blame
2. You are not in trouble & did the right thing

ATI PROMISES
… Child reports being physically abused by his
guardian. Which of the following statements HESI Question
should the nurse make?
… Suspected child abuse?
“It is not your fault that this happened.”
3. NO promises or secrets! NCLEX TIP SECRETS Report any case of suspected child abuse

Characteristics of perpetrators

ATI Question
The Abuser Risk Factors Q1: A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about
risk factors for child maltreatment. Which of the following risk
factors should the nurse include in the teaching?
6 NCLEX TIPS Select all that apply
A parent who has a history of alcohol use disorder
1. Grew up in an environment of domestic violence A parent who often acts on impulse
A parent who believes in an authoritarian approach to raising
2. History of alcohol / substance abuse their child

3. Low self- esteem / Acts impulsive Expresses unrealistic expectations of an infant

Q2: … In-service for a group of elementary school teachers about
4. Authoritarian & overly critical identifying risk factors for maltreatment of children:
The child lives in a single-parent home
5. Teenage parents or single-parent home The child was born premature and has developmental delays

6. Child with developmental delays A toddler who has autism

Notes