NRS-420 Topic 2 DQ 1
Child abuse and maltreatment is not limited to a particular age. It can occur in the infant/toddler (1 month-3 years of age), preschool (3-5 years of age), school-age (5-11 years of age), and adolescent (12-18 years of age) age groups. Choose one of the four age groups and outline the types of abuse 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 misidentified as child abuse. Describe the reporting mechanism in your state and nurse responsibilities related to the reporting of suspected child abuse. Identify two factors that increase the vulnerability of a child for abuse in the age group you have selected.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competency 9.1.
Class the following question is a Classroom Assessment Technique. (CAT) It is not required. If you choose to do so with a substantive post or response you will earn participation points.
Class, there are many medical conditions that can be mistaken for child abuse.
Identify one and discuss it. Include tests that would help us differentiate it from child abuse.
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 2 DQ 1
Child abuse remains a major contributor to child fatalities in the US. Increased public awareness and inadequate training for mandated reporters can lead to a rise in reporting suspected cases, potentially causing over reporting. Studies show that a significant portion of child abuse-related deaths involve families previously reported for maltreatment. In certain cases, children are removed from their homes for extended periods, only to have abuse allegations found unsubstantiated. A recent case study is presented involving a child from an area endemic to Lyme disease, showing signs of skin bruising, fracture, and a swollen knee. Initially reported for child abuse, further examination by an orthopedic surgeon revealed a skin lesion resembling a “bull’s-eye rash,” prompting Lyme disease testing. The child was sent for Lyme serology, CBC, and ESR, and the results confirmed Lyme disease alongside an unrelated radius fracture, leading to the conclusion that the child’s injuries were not due to abuse (Pan et al., 2021).
Pan, T., Nasreddine, A., Trivellas, M., & Hennrikus, W. L. (2021). Lyme Disease Misinterpreted as Child Abuse. Case Reports in Orthopedics, 2021, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6665935
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 2 DQ 1
Warning signs of child abuse can vary depending on the type of abuse that is occurring. Some physical signs may include unexplained bruises or injuries, broken bones, burns, bites, unexplained weight loss, hygiene problems, and inappropriate clothing. There may also be emotional signs, such as sudden changes in behavior, anxiety, depression, isolation, sleeping or eating problems, and fear of being alone with certain people, among others. Regarding cultural variations, it is important to note that some health practices may be misinterpreted as child abuse due to cultural differences. For example, physical discipline techniques that may be accepted in one culture may be considered abuse in another culture. It is important to consider cultural differences when evaluating a child’s situation and consult with cultural diversity experts if necessary (Healthy Children, 2022).
Reference:
Healthy Children. (2022). Child Abuse and Neglect: What Parents Should Know. Healthy Children.
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 2 DQ 1
One condition frequently mistaken for child abuse is Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease. OI is a genetic disorder that causes bones to be extremely fragile, leading to frequent fractures with little or even no obvious cause. Due to the unexplained fractures and potential bruising, OI cases can be misidentified as physical abuse, particularly in young children who aren’t able to explain their injuries.
To distinguish between OI and abuse, doctors rely on several key factors. A thorough medical history can reveal a family pattern of easy fractures, suggesting a genetic cause. Physical exams might identify signs like blue-tinted eyes, hearing loss, or dental problems, all associated with OI. X-rays can show classic OI features like multiple fractures at different healing stages or thin, misshapen bones. Bone density scans may reveal unusually low bone mass. Finally, genetic testing offers the most definitive way to diagnose OI by identifying mutations in genes that affect collagen production.
Understanding OI and employing these diagnostic tools is essential. It ensures children with OI receive the treatment they need while protecting them from unnecessary and harmful child protection investigations.
NIAMSD. (2023). Osteogenesis imperfecta. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteogenesis-imperfecta