During a well-child visit, a 4-year-old boy's mother mentions that she has been using corporal punishment to discipline him. She states that she spanks him with an open hand on the buttocks when he misbehaves. Physical examination shows no bruising or injuries. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- A)Report the mother to child protective services for physical abuse
- B)Refer the child for a forensic examination
- C)Document the spanking as child abuse in the medical record
- D)Inform the mother that spanking is illegal and she must stop immediately
- E)Counsel the mother on alternative, evidence-based discipline strategiesGABARITO
Explicação
Open-hand spanking without injury, while not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, does not meet the legal threshold for child abuse in most jurisdictions. The physician's role is to counsel the parent on evidence showing that corporal punishment ... Ver explicação completa e trilha adaptativa →