NURS 3444 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Abusive Head Trauma, Factitious Disorder Imposed On Self, Fontanelle
Document Summary
Shaken baby syndrome: leading cause of child abuse deaths in the united states, newborn to 4 months greatest risk. If suspected: most often there are no signs of external injury, increased head circumference. Intracranial bleeding (subdural and subarachnoid: bulging fontanels, retinal hemorrhages*, fractures of ribs and long bones, previous, healed injuries, 45% of infants show previous injury, respiratory distress. Inappropriate knowledge or interest in sexual acts: seductive behavior, avoidance of anything related to sexuality or genitals and the body, withdrawn behaviors or excessive aggression towards others, fear of a particular person or family member, frequent urine infections. Identify abusive situations as early as possible: you are a mandated reporter, history pertaining to the incident, evidence of maltreatment, pattern or combination of indicators that arouse suspicion and further investigation, protect child from further abuse. The nurse assesses the height and weight measurements on an infant and documents these measurements at the 75th percentile.
