Aspects of Clinical History and Physical Examination that Show a Red Flag for Suspected Child Abuse: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/nursing.2025v325i30p10990-11005Keywords:
Child Abuse, Medical History, Physical ExaminationAbstract
Objective: To define and summarize the clinical findings and physical examination elements that contribute to the suspicion of child abuse. Method: Exploratory, qualitative, and fundamental systematic review conducted through the selection of 1,712 articles from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Lilacs databases. The descriptors “Child abuse,” “Medical History Taking,” and “Physical Examination” were used. The time frame was from 1995 to 2024, including only systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with a structure based on evidence-based medicine. Results: Greater reliability in suspicion occurs when warning signs are considered together with the child’s personal medical history, physical examination, and psychosocial context.
Conclusion: Omission or failure in suspicion may be associated with clinical biases, including ethnic and socioeconomic stereotypes. Performing a complete and specific physical examination in children suspected of physical abuse is essential.
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References
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