Child Abuse Awareness Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What should be done when documenting bite marks?

Measure the depth of the bite using a probe.

Photograph the bite with a scale marker beside it. (correct)

Record the bite in a medical report without photographs.

Draw a sketch of the surrounding area.

What distinguishes human bite marks from animal bite marks?

Animal bites usually have smoother edges compared to human bites.

Human bites often leave deeper puncture wounds.

Animal bites typically compress flesh and leave abrasions.

Human bites tend to compress flesh and can cause abrasions. (correct)

Which measurement of inter-canine distance raises suspicion for a human bite?

More than 4.0 cm

Exactly 3.0 cm

Less than 2.0 cm

More than 3.0 cm (correct)

Why is interpreting bite marks challenging?

They change shape over time and may be distorted. Signup and view all the answers

Who is ideally suited to evaluate bite marks for forensic analysis?

A forensic odontologist or forensic pathologist Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of cases of physically abused children report injuries to the head and neck?

65%-75% Signup and view all the answers

What was the confirmed number of abused or neglected children in Massachusetts in 2018?

97,731 Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the increase in physical child abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Increased exposure to perpetrators in the home Signup and view all the answers

Which age group was included in the retrospective study reviewing physical child abuse patients?

Infants to less than 15 years old Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total trauma patients comprised physical abuse injuries during the Covid-19 period?

13% Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed over the past 20 years regarding child abuse incidence?

Increased by 25% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main vulnerabilities for certain children regarding abuse?

Special health care needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential annual death toll from child abuse as mentioned?

1,500 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a double swab technique in bite mark evidence collection?

To absorb excess liquid DNA from epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

Which material is recommended for creating a 3-dimensional model of a bite mark?

Polyvinyl Siloxane Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured when collecting and documenting evidence of a bite mark?

A clear chain of custody must be maintained Signup and view all the answers

What distinct feature identifies immersion burns in children?

Sharp, defined water lines on the wound borders Signup and view all the answers

What degree of temperature does the lit end of a cigarette produce?

Approximately 500 degrees F Signup and view all the answers

How do new bruises typically present themselves?

Tender, red, and swollen Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception might someone have about the healing process of bruises?

Bruises can only change colors once Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a form of physical abuse?

Teaching discipline Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of law enforcement when it comes to bite mark evidence?

Matching dental models with bite impressions Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that a child is at risk for dental neglect?

Healthcare access is available but not utilized. Signup and view all the answers

What factor differentiates a bruise's appearance during healing?

The person's age Signup and view all the answers

Which factor must be considered to determine if dental neglect should be reported?

Caregiver's knowledge of dental care. Signup and view all the answers

What should be explained to parents when discussing dental treatment options?

The risks and benefits of treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Munchausen Syndrome in the context of child care?

Creating fake symptoms or causing real symptoms in a child. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a caregiver fails to seek treatment after being informed about risks?

Refer the case to child protective services. Signup and view all the answers

What role does understanding dental care play in assessing neglect?

It helps differentiate between knowledgeable neglect and ignorance. Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured about the family when barriers to healthcare exist?

They are informed about financial aid and transport options. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation does NOT indicate the need for reporting dental neglect?

A child with consistent dental appointments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Epidermolysis Bullosa?

It results in fragile, blistering skin that responds to minor injuries. Signup and view all the answers

Which medical condition is characterized by a lack of proper blood clotting?

Hemophilia Signup and view all the answers

What role do dentists have regarding suspected cases of child abuse?

They are mandated reporters and must report suspected cases to authorities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom associated with Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome?

Peeling skin resembling burns from hot liquids. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to children with Hemophilia being more likely to present with bruises?

The lack of proper clotting mechanisms in their blood. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of suspected abuse cases are reported by dentists compared to other professionals?

32% Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger the symptoms of Epidermolysis Bullosa?

Minor injuries such as rubbing or scratching. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for dentists to familiarize themselves with signs of child abuse?

They receive the highest training in trauma care. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Child abuse is a major problem and can affect all socioeconomic segments of society.
Over 1,500 children die from abuse each year, and underreporting is estimated at 50%.
Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of abused and neglected children.
65-75% of physically abused children have head and neck injuries.
Children with special health care needs are at higher risk for abuse.
Abuse has increased dramatically over the past 20 years.
Confirmed cases of abused and neglected children in MA have risen from 31,089 in 2015 to 84,399 in 2021.

Covid-19 and Child Abuse

A study at the John Hopkins Children’s Center in Maryland found that physical abuse injuries in children accounted for 13% of total trauma patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The research suggests restrictions on access to childcare and increased exposure to perpetrators at home may have contributed to the increase.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Bruises, broken bones, and burns.
Multiple injuries at different stages of healing.
Injuries inconsistent with characteristics of the injury or the child's capabilities.

Bite Marks

Bite marks from animals tend to tear flesh, while human bite marks compress flesh and may cause abrasions, contusions, and lacerations.
An inter-canine distance measuring more than 3.0 cm is suspicious of an adult human bite.
Forensic professionals should ideally analyze bite marks, but dentists can examine them if other experts are unavailable.
Documentation of bite marks should include photographs, double swabs (to collect epithelial cells) and polyvinyl siloxane impressions.

Other Forms of Physical Abuse

Hitting, slapping, ear pulling, hair pulling, choking, or strangulation.
Immersion in scalding liquid can cause “sock burns” (both feet immersed) or “glove burns” where part of the fingertips are spared from the burn due to the child making a fist during immersion.
Cigarette burns leave distinct marks due to the high temperature of a lit cigarette.
Bruises change color as they heal, with new bruises appearing red and swollen, and older bruises turning green, yellow, or brown.

Dental Neglect

Dental neglect is a form of child abuse.
This can occur when a caregiver fails to provide necessary dental care for the child, even with access to healthcare and understanding of the child’s needs.
Dentists are responsible for report suspected cases of dental neglect.
If a caregiver understands the explanation of the child’s dental needs, their risks and benefits, and refuses to seek treatment then the case should be reported to the appropriate child protective services agency.
When reporting dental neglect, a dentist should document efforts to assist the family with resources like financial aid and transportation.

Munchausen Syndrome

This is a mental illness and a form of child abuse, where a caregiver, typically a mother, intentionally makes up or causes symptoms to make the child appear sick.

Predisposing Medical Conditions

Epidermolysis Bullosa, Hemophilia, and Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) can mimic signs of abuse.
Epidermolysis Bullosa: This is a genetic condition resulting in fragile, blistering skin that can easily blister after minor injury.
Hemophilia: This disorder prevents blood from clotting properly, causing spontaneous bleeding and bruising.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): This skin infection causes peeling skin over a large area of the body, potentially resembling burn injuries.

Dentist's Role in Reporting

Dentists are mandatory reporters in all US states.
They are legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to social services or law enforcement agencies.
Dentists reported only 32% of suspected cases of abuse.

Dental Responsibilities to Report

Dentists must be familiar with signs of child abuse and neglect.
They must understand the legal requirements for mandatory reporting.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the critical issues surrounding child abuse, including statistics, contributing factors, and signs of physical abuse. This quiz includes information from recent research highlighting the alarming trends during the Covid-19 pandemic. Understand the impact of child abuse on various socioeconomic segments and learn to identify potential signs of abuse.