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3 votes
Shaken syndrome occurs only when an infant is shaken with great force.

a) True
b) False
c) Uncertain
d) Depends on the situation

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The statement is false as shaken-baby syndrome can happen even without 'great' force due to the vulnerability of an infant's brain and weak neck muscles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Shaken syndrome, also known as shaken-baby syndrome, is a form of physical abuse that can occur even without 'great' force. The syndrome includes a group of medical symptoms such as brain swelling and retinal hemorrhage that result from forcibly shaking or impacting an infant's head.

Because infants have delicate brains and weak neck muscles, even shaking that might not seem extremely forceful to an adult can cause significant injury to a baby. This can lead to serious consequences such as death or permanent brain damage. Therefore, the statement that shaken syndrome occurs only when an infant is shaken with great force is false. It is critical to handle infants with care and to never shake them.

User Patrick Graham
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8.1k points
5 votes

Final answer:

The claim that shaken-baby syndrome only occurs with great force shaking is false; infants can suffer serious injury regardless of perceived force due to their vulnerability, and factors like crying and parental stress contribute to the risk of such abuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that shaken-baby syndrome occurs only when an infant is shaken with great force is false. Infants can suffer from this syndrome even when the shaking is not perceived to be of great force. The reason behind this is that the violent shaking or impact causes a group of medical symptoms, such as brain swelling and retinal hemorrhage, due to the sensitivity and vulnerability of an infant's brain. Factors like a baby's cry can trigger shaking, and additional stress factors such as economic hardship or general dissatisfaction with parental responsibilities may contribute to the likelihood of this abuse.

User Not An ID
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6.9k points