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

What statement is correct about young children who report sexual abuse?

  • A. They may exhibit various behavioral manifestations.
  • B. In more than half the cases, the child has fabricated the story.
  • C. Their stories should not be believed unless other evidence is apparent.
  • D. They should be able to retell the story the same way to another person.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Victims of sexual abuse have no typical profile. The child may exhibit various behavioral manifestations, none of which is diagnostic for sexual abuse. When children report potentially sexually abusive experiences, their reports need to be taken seriously. Other children in the household also need to be evaluated. In one study, approximately 96% of children who were sexually abused had normal genital and anal findings. The ability to retell the story is partly dependent on the childs cognitive level. Children who repeatedly tell identical stories may have been coached.