I’m working on a nursing discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.

From the age brackets given on the types of child abuse and the ages vulnerable to a wide range of child abuse, this discussion has chosen to highlight more school-age children who are mostly exposed to several child abuse. A nurse should look at a wide range of physical and warning signs and emotional assessments to ascertain if a child is undergoing or experiencing any form of abuse. School-age children face four major types of abuse; these are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect abuse. Warning signs or physical signs of child abuse include the presence of injury or injuries resulting from physical aggression such as slapping, hitting, burning with hot objects or cigarettes, severe punishment, shaking or kicking, and punching. 

Children at this age may also be emotionally abused by not being allowed to express their views and opinions, frequently threatening, bullying, emotional blackmail, telling them they are not good, limiting physical contact, or silencing them (Tracy, 2021). Sexual abuse can be attributed to assault by penetration in case of rape or oral sex., telling children dirty jokes, and allowing children to watch inappropriate video clips/. Signs of child abuse as mentioned, abuse for school-age children, including children running away from home, having a nightmare, changes in appetite and moods, early pregnancy, wetting the bed, withdrawing from friends, shying away from certain people, appearing afraid, lack of attachment to a parent, development of extreme behaviors, inappropriate dressing, flinching when touched and crying when reminded to go to a practical place among other signs (Tracy, 2021).

Healing methods such as cupping, moxibustion, and caida de pollera mimic child abuse. Also, at times a child may be reprimanded by light beating or pinching as part of discouraging the child from repeating similar mistakes, which may be taken as child abuse (Gelles, 2019). Depending on the organization, child abuse reporting nurses are required to make a rereferral to the local authority regarding children’s social care. Also, nurses may call child protective services and ensure to follow up with reported children (Gelles, 2019). Perhaps additional resources such as social services can be effective for child abuse reporting or calling 9-1-1 or this number: (1-800)4-A-CHILD or (1-800) 422-4453. Major factors increasing the vulnerability to child abuse include parents’ mental health and income poverty. Parent’s mental health may lead to family stress resulting in child abuse. Poverty may also lead to neglect and abuse of children (Brazier, 2020).

References

Brazier, Y. (2020). Child Abuse: Types, Signs, and Reporting Possible Abuse. Medical and Health Information. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241532#tips

Gelles, R. J. (2019). School-Age Parents and Child Abuse. School-Age Pregnancy & Parenthood, 347-360.  https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315128962-22

Tracy, N. (2021, December 17). Types of Child Abuse. Mental Health Support, Resources & Information | HealthyPlace. Retrieved August 9, 2023, from https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/child-abuse-information/types-child-abuse