Question

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 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.

Answer 1

Child abuse is when the parent or caregiver whether through action or failing to act cause injury or harm to the patient. Following are the abuse seen in preschooler are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, shaken baby syndrome, neglect.

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for signs of child sexual abuse is to keep an eye on sudden changes in behavior.the physical and emotional assessment finding includes

Physical signs

•Come home with unexplained bruises, abrasions, burns, broken bones, black eyes, cuts, bite marks, or other injuries. Repeated injuries of any type can be a warning sign.
•Changes in their normal behavior, like becoming very quiet and sad, or very angry, or may seem afraid of their parents or other adults.
•Cry and put up a fight when it’s time to go to daycare, or appear frightened around the caregiver or other adults

Emotional abuse signs are

This may include harshly criticizing or frequently blaming the child or making the child feel unwanted

The child clingy or acting angry or depressed. Abused children often show extremes in behavior.

compliant and passive, while a generally mild child may act in a demanding and aggressive manner.

Change in eating habits
Change in mood or personality, such as increased aggression
Decrease in confidence or self-image
Excessive worry or fearfulness
Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches
Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
Self-harming behaviors

Many cultures use folk health remedies to treat various illnesses. Some common cultural methods used include cupping, coining, spooning, moxibustion, caida de mollera, and salting. These widely practiced alternative forms of medicine create marks on the skin, such as petechiae, purpura, and hyperpigmentation, that often mimic physical abuse.some cultural beliefs and practices may cause physical abuse in children. But they believe that it is good for children

To make a report, you should contact the child protection intake service covering the local government area (LGA) where the child normally resides. Anyone who forms a reasonable belief that a child is in need of protection is entitled to make a report to child protection.
Some professional groups are legally required to report a reasonable belief a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse to child protection authorities.
If someone has a significant concern for the wellbeing of a child, but does not believe they are in need of protection, or that the immediate safety of the child is compromised, a referral to Child FIRST or The Orange Door is appropriate.

Nurse have responsibility to report a abuse case is comes. they are trained to identify signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and are required by law to report their findings, If a nurse suspects abuse or neglect, they should first report it to a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, Nurses should provide a calm, comforting environment and approach the patient with care and concern. A complete head-to-toe examination should take place, looking for physical signs of abuse. A witness should be present if possible as well. Thorough documentation and description of findings, as well as patient statements, non-verbal behavior, and behavior/statements of the suspected abuser should also be included.