A school nurse is reviewing the family history of a school-age child who has a fractured ulna for the second time. Which of the following findings place the child at risk for child abuse? (Select all that apply)
A.
One of the child’s parents appears frightened of the other parent.
B.
Neither of the child’s parents are financially stable.
C.
One of the child’s parents has a history of alcohol use disorder.
D.
The child spends the weekends with their grandparents.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers are:
A. One of the child’s parents appears frightened of the other parent.
C. One of the child’s parents has a history of alcohol use disorder.
Explanation:
In assessing a school-age child with a fractured ulna who has experienced fractures more than once, the nurse must consider the possibility of child abuse. The following findings are critical in evaluating risk factors for abuse:
A. One of the child’s parents appears frightened of the other parent: This is a significant indicator of potential domestic violence. If a parent exhibits fear or apprehension towards the other parent, it could suggest an abusive relationship. Children who are exposed to domestic violence are at a higher risk of experiencing abuse themselves. Such environments can lead to physical harm as a result of the turmoil and stress that permeate the household.
C. One of the child’s parents has a history of alcohol use disorder: Substance abuse, particularly alcohol use disorder, is a known risk factor for child abuse. Parents with alcohol use disorder may have impaired judgment, reduced impulse control, and increased likelihood of engaging in violent or abusive behaviors. This risk factor is crucial in identifying potential abuse, as the presence of substance abuse issues in a parent correlates with an elevated risk of harm to the child.
Other Findings:
B. Neither of the child’s parents are financially stable: While financial instability can contribute to stress and impact family dynamics, it is not a direct indicator of child abuse. Many families face financial difficulties without resorting to abuse. Therefore, while financial issues can add stress, they are not as directly linked to the risk of abuse as the other factors listed.
D. The child spends the weekends with their grandparents: Spending weekends with grandparents, in and of itself, does not suggest an increased risk of abuse. In fact, it could be a protective factor if the grandparents provide a stable and supportive environment. This factor does not inherently indicate a risk of abuse unless additional context or evidence suggests otherwise.
Overall, the presence of domestic violence and parental substance abuse are the most pertinent indicators that warrant further investigation into potential child abuse in this scenario.