Abusive Head Trauma in the Pediatric Patient-Risk Factors

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Gail Horner, a forensic nursing specialist, discusses risk factors for child maltreatment, focusing on abusive head trauma. She highlights caregiver mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence as risk factors, emphasizing that a history of maltreatment in caregivers can contribute to these issues. Financial stressors and teen parents are also at risk. Children with developmental delays, behavioral concerns, or chronic illnesses are vulnerable. Corporal punishment is linked to physical abuse, with infants and young children at increased risk. Abusive head trauma, the deadliest form of child abuse, disproportionately affects younger children. Gail discusses epidemiology, anatomical vulnerabilities, caregiver frustration triggers, and sentinel injuries. Studies show high mortality rates and associations with intimate partner violence and substance abuse. Recognizing risk factors is crucial for forensic nurses to intervene effectively.

Keywords

forensic nursing

child maltreatment

abusive head trauma

caregiver mental health

domestic violence

developmental delays