Child Abuse: Clinical Findings and Management

PURPOSE To provide an overview of the role of the nurse practitioner (NP) in identifying, reporting, and managing child abuse in primary care. DATA SOURCES Selected research, national guidelines, and the author's experience. CONCLUSIONS Child abuse is a complex phenomenon characterized by maladaptive behaviors between children and their parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The role of the NP includes identification of families at risk, recognition of clinical findings of abuse, diagnosis of abuse, education for families identified at risk, and management of children diagnosed with abuse. The ultimate goal is the safe return of the child to a loving family.