Explain How To Assess And Identify The Victim Of Sexual Abuse

How to assess and identify the victim of sexual abuse. In the United States, sexual abuse is one of the widespread problem. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2010) report, in 2008 there were more than 70,000 children were victims of sexual abuse. Furthermore, children below the age of 18 years, 25% girls and 16% of boys are sexually abused. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNP) will most likely encounter sexually abused children in their practice. A competent medical evaluation for child sexual abuse requires a specific expertise and knowledge. The medical evaluation for child sexual abuse incudes obtaining the history of abuse from the child and parent; identify and document injury or infection; treating medical condition, provide reassurance to the …show more content…
The PNP must consider the possibility of sexual abuse when a child or adolescent presents with a developmental or psychiatric disorder such as; depression, suicidal ideation or substance abuse, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder etc. In these kind of behaviors, child must be screen for possibility of sexual abuse. Parents and children should be interviewed separately. Children often do not want to release their sexual abuse story due to fear, guilt, embarrassment, threats, family loyalty, and concerns regarding the consequences of disclosure. Children and adolescents should have the choice to keep a parent or caregiver present in the room during the physical examination for mental support. Every child should have a complete head-to-toe physical examination, with a special inspection for any additional signs of trauma such as bruising, abrasions, or lacerations to the body beyond the ano-genital region. These finding should be document in writing and with photograph. The PNP plays a critical role in patient safety. According to the state laws, PNP has mandatory responsibility reporter of all sexual abuse