Diagnosing Child Abuse: The Role of the Nurse Practitioner

Abstract

Child abuse is a major epidemic within the United States, affecting over 3 million children in 2011. Although specific children may be at increased risk, child abuse can affect anyone, at any time. To provide care, a nurse practitioner must be know the clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, and epidemiology to accurately rule-out other disorders and develop an appropriate plan of care.