Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Problems of Toddlers and Preschoolers Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Health Problems of Toddlers and Preschoolers related questions and content

A child is admitted with a suspected diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP). What is an important consideration in the care of this child?

  • A. Monitoring the parents whenever they are with the child
  • B. Reassuring the parents that the cause of the disorder will be found
  • C. Teaching the parents how to obtain necessary specimens
  • D. Supporting the parents as they cope with diagnosis of a chronic illness
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: MSBP refers to an illness that one person fabricates or induces in another. The child must be continuously observed for development of symptoms to determine the cause. MSBP is caused by an individual harming the child for the purpose of gaining attention. Nursing staff should obtain all specimens for analyzing. This minimizes the possibility of the abuser contaminating the sample. The child must be supported through the diagnosis of MSBP. The abuser must be identified and the child protected from that individual.