Scenario: You are working in the Paediatric Unit when Mia, a 9 month old girl, is admitted with a fractured right femur. On assessment, she has extensive swelling and bruising to her right thigh, as...

Scenario:
You are working in the Paediatric Unit when Mia, a 9 month old girl, is admitted with a fractured right femur. On assessment, she has extensive swelling and bruising to her right thigh, as well as small oval-shaped bruises on her right calf. She also has some older yellowing bruises around her torso and on the side of her neck. Mia has been placed in traction and is now settled and alert. You discuss the injury with Mia’s mother, who tells you that Mia rolled off the couch last night but “seemed ok” after some Panadol. Mia’s mother noticed the bruising and swelling this morning and brought her into the Emergency Department.
Assignment Question:
Discuss the potential impact of abuse on the development and wellbeing of the infant. Identify factors in Mia’s presentation that may indicate that she has been abused, and describe your professional responsibilities if you suspect abuse has occurred.
Unit learning outcomes and Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes:
This assessment task provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the following Unit Learning outcomes and Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes;
Unit Learning Outcomes
ULO1: differentiate between normal and abnormal patterns of growth and development during the child and adolescent stages of life, and critique the factors which may impact on normal growth and development patterns;
ULO2: review the physical, psychological, and sociological influences that may increase health risks to children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds;
ULO3: using an evidence-based approach, assess symptoms, functional status, and risk in children and adolescents;
ULO4: select and evaluate person-centred approaches to maintain or improve the functional capacity of the child or adolescent; and
ULO5: justify and evaluate the effectiveness of risk management strategies implemented to reduce the influence of the identified risk factors.