Citation

Pressel DM. Am. Fam. Physician 2000; 61(10): 3057-3064.

Affiliation

Temple University Children's Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, American Academy of Family Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10839555

Abstract

Family physicians who are involved in the care of children are likely to encounter child abuse and should be able to recognize its common presentations. A history that is inconsistent with the patient's injuries is the hallmark of physical abuse. A pattern of physical findings, including bruises and fractures in areas unlikely to be accidentally injured, patterned bruises from objects, and circumferential burns or bruises in children not yet mobile, should be viewed as suspicious for child abuse. Family physicians who suspect physical abuse are mandated to make a report to the state child protective services agency and to assure the ongoing safety of the child.

Language: en