Child Abuse Recognition — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Injury inconsistent with story
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Safety & Infection Control
🔖 Free to read, print, and share
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Child Abuse Recognition on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- Bruises various healing stages
- Patterned marks, immersion burns
- Spiral fractures, retinal hemorrhage
- Wary, flat affect, no eye contact
- Delayed care, story changes
- Fear of caregiver, clinging
- Report = mandatory, legal duty
- Document objectively, photos
- Ensure child safety first
- Don't accuse, stay nonjudgmental
- Interview child alone, calmly
✨Quick Tip
An injury inconsistent with the stated history or with the child's developmental ability is the key red flag.
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