T1.Chapter11.PhysicalAbuse Flashcards
Define Physical Abuse
non-accidental injury inflicted upon a child
How do we decide whether a child’s injury was an accident or abuse? (10)
1) Social context
2) Likely biases and motives of witnesses
3) Physical exam of child
4) Probability that injuries could be accidental
5) Investigations
6) Use of Lab imaging
7) Age and dev status of child
8) Child’s medical history
9) Does history provided by caretakers change over time - are they lying?
10) Do different caretakers tell different stories?
In 2008, an estimated 772,000 children in the United States were victims of abuse or neglect. Of this number _______ percent were physically abused?
16.1%
Children in what age group have the highest rate of physical abuse victimization?
birth to one year old
Physical abuse can consist of ____________. (8)
hitting pinching kicking shaking burning cutting torturing
Most fatalities are due to _________.
abusive head injuries
Violent shaking that can cause serious injury or death is called _________.
shaken baby syndrome
What are the long term effects of head trauma?
severe learning disabilities, tetraplegia, blindness, chronic seizure disorders, and in the most severe cases, persistent vegetative state. A significant number of early survivors die later.
Abusers who have shaken or hurt a child estimate an episode to last how long?
a few seconds to 12 seconds
What factors increase concern that the fracture is from abuse? (5)
1) Absence of credible history
2) Very young age of patient
3) Other abusive injuries accompany the fracture
4) Delay in seeking medical care
5) Explanation provided does not make medical sense
What are the types of abusive injuries?
abdonminal injuries
Throat injuries
Thoracic injuries (chest)
Skeletal injuries: fractures
Likely inflicted or likely Accidental?
UPPER ARMS
inflicted
Likely inflicted or likely Accidental?
Ears and neck
inflicted
Likely inflicted or likely Accidental?
Shins
Accidental
Likely inflicted or likely Accidental?
Hips (iliac crest)
Accidental
