Evaluating and Reporting Potential Child Abuse with Elizabeth Schlappi, CPNP-PC

In this episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Schlappi, Nurse Practitioner at UAB and Children's of Alabama in the Division of Childhood Abuse Pediatrics.

We discuss the basics of identifying, working up, and reporting potential cases of physical child abuse and neglect. We include some general statistics about child abuse in the United States and Alabama before discussing cutaneous injuries (bruises, bites, burns), concerning fractures, head trauma, and the various forms of neglect. 

We end by discussing when to report concerns to DHR, how to talk to families about your concerns, and finally, advice for helping prevent child abuse from happing in the first place. 

If you have any questions as a pediatric provider, reach out to one of the Children's of AL Child Abuse Providers on call via the COA call line (205-638-9100). 

Important mnemonic for bruising concerning for child abuse: 
T- Torso
E- Ears
N- Neck
4 - any of the above (TEN) bruising under 4 years of age, or any bruising under 4 months of age
F - Frenulum (under tongue, upper and lower lip)
A - Angle of jaw
C - Cheek
E - Eyelids
S - Subconjunctivae/scleral
p - Patterned bruising