NRS 434 Discussion: Describe warning signs and physical and emotional assessment findings the nurse may see that could indicate child abuse

NRS 434 Discussion: Describe warning signs and physical and emotional assessment findings the nurse may see that could indicate child abuse

and maltreatment is not limited to a particular age—it can occur in the infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age years. Choose one of the four age groups and outline the most commonly seen among children of that age. Describe warning signs and physical and emotional assessment findings the nurse may see that could indicate child abuse. Discuss cultural variations of health practices that can be . Describe the reporting mechanism in your state and nurse responsibilities related to the reporting of suspected child abuse.

There a scores of resources available to the nurse designed to better identify possible abuse, whether it be physical or emotional. When considering possible signs of abuse or mistreatment, the nurse should recognize acute changes in the child’s behavior or patterns. According to the Child Welfare Department, a federally funded and mandated agency (Child Welfare Department, 2019), indicators that interventions may be needed are a decline in a child’s school performance. This may be related to lack of concentration as the child may withdraw as a sign of their own assessment of the degree of safety present in engaging and/or participating in contact with peers or authority figures outside of the home. Excessive absences may be attempts to allow time for healing of results of physical abuse such as abrasions, bruises, or fractures. Reluctantly to go home after school may also be an indicator of possible abuse. 

Abuse goes beyond the physical nature. Emotional abuse has just as long lasting effects on school age children as physical abuse does. School age children are at a stage in their life where they desire to fit in with their peers, notice differences between themselves and other children, and may need assurance that abuse is not their fault (Falkner, 2018).

References

Child Welfare Information Gateway (2019). What is child abuse and neglect. Retrieved from 

Falkner, A. (2018). Grand Canyon University (E.D). Age-Appropriate Approach to Pediatric Health Care Assessment. Retrieved from .

You have provided an in-depth post and I agree with you. Ideally, child abuse and maltreatment is associated with devastating effects on children (Gonzalez et al., 2021). As such, it is important to report any case of child abuse. As mandated, nurses are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of child abuse or maltreatment and report to the relevant authority. Failure to report may lead to legal actions against them or disciplinary actions by their employers or board of nursing. If a nurse infers abuse or maltreatment, the first step is to report to the physician, nurse managers, or physician assistant. If the victim is presented to the facility with the alleged perpetrator, the assessment should be done without the perpetrator in the room. A comprehensive head-to-toe examination should be conducted to identify physical signs of abuse. It is essential to have a witness if possible. Nurses should ensure a comprehensive documentation and description of the findings, non-verbal behaviors, victim statements, and the statements and behaviors of the alleged perpetrator. The law enforcement should be notified instantly while the victim is still in the facility. Moreover, Child Protective Services should be called and followed up with a documented report (Lee & Kim, 2018).

References

Gonzalez, D., Mirabal, A. B., & McCall, J. D. (2021). Child abuse and neglect. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459146/

Lee, H. M., & Kim, J. S. (2018). Predictors of intention of reporting child abuse among emergency nurses. Journal of pediatric nursing, 38, e47-e52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2017.10.007

Great post and would like to contribute to it. Nurses are a great resource in health and therefore, they should be enlightened in every aspect of health practice. Nurses are supposed to be educated on how best they can identify abuse in whatever form it presents itself with. This is in line with tradition and cultural beliefs. There is a traditional practice performed by some African native groups in which coining can leave some purpura and this can mimic abuse. Nurses are supposed to be oriented with these practices so that they don’t conflict with the patient’s beliefs. Nurses ought to be culturally competent in order to serve their patients well. Thank you Latasha for sharing once again.

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