Health Problems of Early Childhood

Question 1

Identify the symptoms and diagnosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Answer 1

AKA Abusive Head Trauma

Often younger than 2 years of age

Irritable, inconsolable, pallor, drowsy, vomiting, seizures-(Increased intracranial pressure- ICP).

Irregular breathing - periods of apnea

Most often there are no signs of external injury.

Acceleration-deceleration impact

Retinal hemorrhages –classic sign of Shaken Baby

Question 2

Diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome

Answer 2

-Intracranial bleeding (subdural and subarachnoid)

-Surgery needed emergently to prevent brain herniation

-Clotting factors to determine if intracranial bleed from a bleeding issue or trauma.
¡ PT
¡ PTT
¡ INR

Question 3

Review the topic of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Fabricated or Induced Illness).

Answer 3

AKA: Fabricated or induced illness by caregiver

-Caregiver fabricates signs and symptoms of illness in child (the proxy) to gain attention from medical staff

-Frequent admissions

-Child may undergo needless and painful procedures and treatments

-Suspicious caregiver behavior
–Persistently hanging around the nurse’s station
–Offering to be the key informant and speak at rounds
–Remaining calm in stressful/tense situation