Question

A nurse who works with newborns is assessing the potential for abuse or neglect. Which of the following family groups should the nurse identify as the highest potential for future child abuse?

A) Young parents with multiple support systems
B) Single parent with a stable job
C) Parents with a history of substance abuse
D) Extended family living together

Answer 1

The nurse should identify parents with a history of substance abuse as having the highest potential for future child abuse, due to increased risks of physical abuse and neglect in these settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the listed family groups, the nurse should identify parents with a history of substance abuse as having the highest potential for future child abuse. Research has shown that children raised by substance abusers have a significantly higher risk of physical abuse and neglect. Factors contributing to this include the pressures and stresses of parenthood, with younger parents and those with a history of substance abuse being less capable of coping. Moreover, children of parents who abuse substances are three times more at risk of being physically abused and four times more likely to be neglected compared to their counterparts in non-substance abusing households.

This vulnerability to abuse and neglect is compounded by the fact that infants (children less than one year old) are the most victimized population, with their entirely dependent nature on parents for care heightening the risk. It's important also to note that although other factors mentioned in the options, such as young age and single parenthood, might increase the risk, the presence of substance abuse has been identified as a particularly potent risk factor.