Non-accidental trauma (NAT) is an injury that is purposefully inflicted upon a child—in other words, child abuse. Often the injury is to the skin and soft tissue, but approximately a third of NATs are fractures.
What is non accidental physical injury?
Non-accidental injury or physical abuse is any bodily injury that is deliberately inflicted on a vulnerable person that is considered unacceptable in a given culture at a given time. This may include hitting, kicking, burning, biting or choking.
How is non accidental trauma diagnosed?
A thorough examination of the skin, a neurologic exam, and an examination of the abdomen are important steps. Retinal hemorrhages, spiral fractures or femur fractures in a child who is not yet ambulatory, and unexplained visceral injuries all raise suspicion for non-accidental injury.
What is a typical site of a non accidental injury?
The most common sites for non-accidental injury are: Mouth. Shoulders. Chest. Upper and inner arms. Stomach/abdomen.
Where on a child’s body do non accidental injuries typically appear?
Spotting the Signs of a Non-Accidental Injury Common areas include the knees, elbows, shins and forehead. These locations tend to break a child’s fall when they are involved in a collision or trip, indicating that the trauma was unintentional. However, these marks can also appear in other locations.
When should you suspect a non accidental injury?
3,4 bruises over relatively protected parts of the body such as behind the ears, neck, trunk and buttocks should raise concern about a nonaccidental cause. 5 Patterned bruising strongly suggests a nonaccidental cause.
What does accidental injury mean?
accidental injury Add to list Share. Definitions of accidental injury. an accident that results in physical damage or hurt. synonyms: injury. types: concussion.
What are examples of accidental injuries?
Common Types of Accidental Injuries Being struck by or against an object. Pedestrian and bicycle injuries. Accidental chemical or thermal burns. Motor vehicle accidents.
Which examples are types of non accidental physical injury in a child?
Types of nonaccidental injury The most common site of nonaccidental injury is the skin. The most frequently observed injuries are inflammation, bruises, abrasions and lacerations. These wounds are caused by blunt impact with an object or surface, or the application of blunt force such as pressure, bites or suction.
How do you approach a non accidental injury?
Advice / framework for NAI:
- Open with what you plan to talk about.
- Reassure the care giver that the child is being well looked after.
- Take a detailed history of the events.
- It is likely you will have to probe a couple of times, a new partner is often a red flag.
What is an example of an accidental injury?
Accidental falls, motor vehicle accidents, and unintentional poisoning were some of the highest-ranking causes of death. To increase your awareness and help you avoid injury, here are some tips concerning some of the most common accidental injuries.
What is considered an accidental injury?
Falls, cuts, burns, road accidents, bites, stings, and drowning are examples of accidental injuries. Accidents can happen at any time and accidental injury is a significant cause of death. It protects you and your family in the event of an unexpected injury that requires medical care.
What is the prevalence of non accidental trauma?
Non-accidental trauma (NAT) is a leading cause of childhood traumatic injury and death in the United States. It is estimated that 1,400 children died from maltreatment in the United States in 2002 and abusive head trauma (AHT) accounted for 80% of these deaths.
Are long bone fractures a sign of abuse?
However, in older children, long bone fractures usually result from accidental trauma. These fractures are therefore generally of low specificity for abuse.
Are spiral midshaft fractures associated with abuse?
Although spiral midshaft fractures have long been associated with abuse, more recent studies have concluded that the type (spiral, transverse, or oblique) as well as the location of the fracture (diaphyseal or metaphyseal) does not necessarily differentiate accidental from abusive injury.
How do you differentiate between abusive trauma and traumatic stress fractures?
The timing of injury and the clinical history differentiate such fractures from abusive trauma.
