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CHILD ABUSE

Q: How common is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

A: There are 1,200 to 1,400 cases of SBS in the United States every year. One out of four
of these babies dies, and only about a third will survive without severe disabilities. Boys are
shaken more often than girls, and almost 80 percent of adults doing the shaking are male. (Miles,
2010)

Q: What causes Shaken Baby Syndrome?

A: It occurs when someone shakes a baby or slams or throws a baby against an object. A
child could be shaken by the arms, legs, chest, or shoulders. Some experts use the term shaken-
impact syndrome, because injury from throwing a child against a surface can equal that of
shaking. (WebMD, 2009)

Q: What are the symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome? What is the Nurses assessment?

A: The injuries associated with shaken baby syndrome may not be immediately
noticeable. Infants may present with nonspecific complaints, such as irritability or vomiting.
These symptoms are caused by the developing increased pressure within the brain (intracranial
pressure) caused by brain hemorrhages and swelling. These infants often develop additional
symptoms, such as lethargy, breathing difficulties, and seizures. (Perlstein,2010) A:

Q: What are treatments of Shaken Baby Syndrome? What are the Nurses interventions?

A: treatment for shaken baby syndrome varies depending on the specific situation and
other factors, including the age of the child and the extent and type of injuries involved, some of
the immediate treatments are relatively common. An infant or child who has been shaken should
be taken and admitted to a hospital as soon as possible, where doctors will closely observe,
monitor, the baby. If physicians see signs of brain swelling and breathing problems, may need to
drain the blood around the brain to prevent future brain damage.

In addition the use of a breathing machine or surgery, medicine may be prescribed to prevent
seizures and decrease brain swelling. If necessary, doctors may place shunts where appropriate
to move fluid from certain parts of the body. If your child’s brain injuries are severe or life-
threatening, he or she may require more time in the hospital for treatment. An IV (short for
intravenous fluids) may be required to keep body fluids and salts under control, or a tube for
emptying or feeding the stomach may be needed. (Logan, 2007)

A: The Nurses interventions can be to provide comfort for the family and educate the
families in coping skills and available resources to assist in any manner neded.

Q: What is the prognosis of Shaken Baby Syndrome?

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A: Infants who have suffered injuries as a result of this type of child abuse have a poor
prognosis. Of those infants who survive, many will have permanent brain damage, retinal
injuries, and blindness as well as and neck and spinal injuries. Unfortunately, the damage to the
nervous system is too frequently permanent. (Perlstein, 2010)

Q: Can Shaken Baby Syndrome be caused accidently?

A: The answer is NO! - Shaken baby syndrome is almost always a result of child abuse,
often perpetrated by a parent or caregiver who shakes an infant angrily in response to persistent
crying. In very rare cases, the injuries associated with shaken baby syndrome may be caused by
accidental actions, such as jogging with a newborn baby in a backpack. It does not result from
gentle play or bouncing a child on a knee. Even in those rare accidental cases, the injuries are
rarely as severe as those cases associated with non-accidental trauma from shaken baby
syndrome. (Perlstein, 2010)

Q: Can Shaken Baby Syndrome be prevented? – What preventative strategies would the
nurse teach?

A: Yes, I can be prevented, by doing the following or teaching your Pts the following:

• Never shake an infant or child.

• Avoid holding your infant during arguments.

• Avoid disciplining your child when you are angry.

• Report abuse to the local police or to your state's child protective services if you
suspect that a child in your home or someone you know is a victim of child abuse.

• If you find yourself becoming increasingly short-tempered around your infant or

child, take a break and ask a friend or family member for help. (Perlstein, 2010)
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References

Logan. (2009, OCT 27). Shaken Baby Syndrome Blog .

Retrieved OCT 2010, 23, from http://www.shakenbabysyndromeblog.com/treatment-for-shaken-

baby-syndrome-ca-abusive-head-trauma-attorney/

Miles, K. (2010, May). BABYCENTER.

Retrieved OCT 23, 2010, from Baby Center: http://www.babycenter.com/0_shaken-baby-

syndrome_1501729.bc#articlesection3

Perlstein, D. (2009, SEP 24). Medicine Net .

Retrieved OCT 23, 2010, from MedicineNet :

http://www.medicinenet.com/shaken_baby_syndrome/article.htm

WebMD. (2009, March 12). Health & Baby.

Retrieved OCT 23, 2010, from WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/tc/shaken-baby-syndrome-topic-overview