Child Maltreatment Recognition and Reporting Flashcards

Which bruise pattern is considered a classic indicator of child physical abuse?

Answer: Bruising on the ears, neck, or buttocks in non-ambulatory children

Bruising on protected areas such as ears, neck, and buttocks in non-ambulatory infants is a strong indicator of non-accidental trauma.

A forensic nurse suspects child abuse but the caregiver provides a history that seems inconsistent with the injury. What is the appropriate documentation approach?

Answer: Document the injury findings and record the caregiver's history verbatim, noting any inconsistencies

Objective documentation of both physical findings and the caregiver's exact history — including inconsistencies — is critical for forensic and legal purposes.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma) most commonly presents with which triad of findings?

Answer: Subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and encephalopathy

Abusive Head Trauma classically presents with subdural hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and encephalopathy resulting from violent shaking forces.

Which fracture type in an infant is most suspicious for child abuse?

Answer: Metaphyseal (corner/bucket-handle) fractures of long bones

Metaphyseal fractures occur from jerking or twisting forces on an infant's limbs and are highly specific for non-accidental trauma.

As a forensic nurse, you are a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse. To whom must you report in the US?

Answer: To child protective services (CPS) and/or law enforcement

Mandatory reporters must report suspected child abuse to child protective services and/or law enforcement, depending on state law.

What is the primary purpose of a skeletal survey in a suspected child abuse case?

Answer: To identify occult fractures in various stages of healing

A full skeletal survey detects occult or healing fractures across multiple body sites, revealing a pattern of repeated trauma over time.