Answer for NRS 434 Describe warning signs and physical and emotional assessment findings the nurse may see that could indicate child abuse Re: Topic 2 DQ 1

Child abuse is described as the intentional or unintentional damage (sexually, physically, or emotionally) of any child. Deprivation, ill-treatment, and neglect come under the umbrella of child abuse. Unexplained bruises and injuries, changes in behavior or dietary patterns, aggressive nature, or remaining silent are the signs of abuse. Unfortunately, child abuse is still prevalent across the world, especially in the United States. In 2019, there were approx 650000 documented occurrences of child abuse, with neglect being the most frequent kind of maltreatment in the United States. Child abuse knows no gender discrimination and the rates are almost similar between boys and girls. There is a positive relationship between official child abuse and environmental poverty in all racial/ethnic groups (Kim & Drake, 2018).

Child abuse among toddlers is very common. They are prone to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The signs of physical abuse are children returning home with unexplained injuries, bruises, abrasions, cuts, bite marks, or other physical signs. Repeated injuries of any kind might be a red flag. If there are changes in their typical behavior, such as being very irritable, anxious, furious, or silent, child abuse can be suspected. The signs of sexual abuse are genital discomfort, bruising in the genital areas, itching, bleeding, frequent urinary tract infections, and trouble walking or sitting due to genital or anal discomfort. Emotional abuse can be identified when the child exhibits signs of behavioral issues or changes, such as avoiding a parent’s attention, becoming excessively angry or despondent. Abused children frequently exhibit extreme behavior.

The nurse by taking a proper history from the child and parents and observing the signs as mentioned above can rule out abuse.

Many cultural practices are prevalent in various countries and can be misidentified as abuse. Coining is practiced in South East Asian countries in which the kin that has been greased with oil is scraped with a ceramic spoon, a worn coin (Vitale & Prasad, 2017). Moxibustion is another traditional Chinese therapeutic technique that originated in Asian medicine and included burning rolled pieces of moxa plant (Killon, 2017).

In my state (Florida), various abuse hotlines, toll-free numbers function 24 hours a day with the availability of counselors. The person reporting can contact and submit the details of the abuse. The complainant can register the complaint on https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/ also.

Killion, C. M. (2017). Cultural healing practices that mimic child abuse.

Kim, H., & Drake, B. (2018). Child maltreatment risk as a function of poverty and race/ethnicity
in the USA. International journal of epidemiology, 47(3), 780-787.

Vitale, S. A., & Prashad, T. (2017). Cultural awareness: coining and cupping. Int Arch Nurs Health Care, 3(3), 080.