Abuse / Neglect
This policy applies to: Patients who are suspected of being victims of abuse or neglect.
Exclusion Criteria: None
Recognize
- Injuries or burns in a pattern suggestive of intentional infliction.
- Injuries in various stages of healing or injuries scattered over multiple areas of the body.
- Patient, parent, or caregiver responding in an inappropriate manner to the situation.
- Malnutrition of extreme lack of cleanliness of the patient or environment.
- Infants: bulging of fontanels and altered mental status.
Evaluate
Administer Treatment
- Stabilize and treat injuries according to the appropriate protocol.
- Discourage patient from washing if sexual abuse is suspected.
- Document:
- All statements made by the patient, parent or caregiver.
- Any abnormal behavior on the part of the patient, parent or caregiver.
- The condition of the environment.
- Time and name of contact when reported to Adult Protective Services.
- Report all suspected cases of abuse / neglect to protective services. Do not initiate report in front of the patient, parent or caregiver.
Consider Differentials
- Not applicable
Navigate
References
Protocols
Medications
Procedures
Resources
Adult Protective Services phone: 1-800-252-5400