Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (also known as S.B.S.) is a major contributor to the mortality rate in infants. Given the proper knowledge on the topic it is one hundred percent preventable. Techniques have been devised for nurses to use in order to aid in the prevention of shaken baby syndrome. Nurses are the main tools in stopping S.B.S.; as information is spread about the syndrome knowledge is as well, as we all know knowledge is power, the power to stop.

Articles on the topic of S.B.S. had much of the same information; S.B.S. is relatively new to the medical world for it was determined as its own syndrome not too long ago. In many cases SBS is overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is a pressing issue to make the community of new families aware of the effects of SBS. It can lead to the shearing of bridging veins in the brain as well as many other issues that lead to developmental issues (2008). Offenders tend to be young, males with a poorer up bringing. The victim is male 60% of the time (AANS, 2000). Only 30% of SBS victims have a chance of full recovery (2001). SBS is detected easier once the effects have taken place on the child; however it is normally too late to help prevent the injuries. It is very expensive to treat. About 13% to 30% of victims die (2005, April). Roughly half of society is unaware of the full effects of SBS because of lack of education on the matter. The act that leads to S.B.S. is so violent that observers would be able to recognize it as harmful to the child. 6 weeks old is the average age crying peaks at. SBS is most likely to become significant around 2.5 to 4 months after the birth of the child; this is when the crying wares on the parent and he/she feels as if it is no longer bearable (2009). This seems to be the common knowledge now of S.B.S. yet other articles went a bit more in depth on how to treat and what nurses can do to spread the facts and prevention techniques of S.B.S.

One of the articles goes in depth on a program that was installed in a hospital to promote SBS awareness. It also was created to test the validity of such programs. The program consisted of 3 note cards; one on crying, one on how to respond, and one on the effects of SBS as well as a phone call around the time when the infant was at his/her crying peak (6 weeks). The program was found highly relevant especially to new parents (2009). Almost all the participants appreciated it as well as thought it should be continued. They also concluded that having the nurse participate is more helpful than simply giving the parents the note cards because many admitted to the likely hood of not reading the cards in that case. Documentation is key for medical officials in determining whether or not SBS is taking place. As a nurse promoting education, keeping an eye out for indicators as well as high risk factors, and reporting abuse to authorities is the best way to help prevent SBS. Retinal hemorrhaging is a major indicator when it comes to determining if a child has SBS. Hematomas (tearing of vessels) however, are the most common injury (2008). Many of the injuries that result are due to loss of neurons and axons within the brain. If SBS is suspected, old and new fractures are clear indicators of abuse in the form of SBS (2008).

The articles all agree on the fact that it is preventable however not necessarily treatable. Nurses are the key in spreading information about S.B.S. as proven by the program that was instilled in the hospital. An organized presentation of the information on what S.B.S. is, how it is caused, as well as how it can be prevented seems to be the most efficient way of getting the information out there. All new parents should be given information on S.B.S. so that awareness becomes common knowledge.

Becoming a nurse myself and wanting to work in the I.C.U. neo natal ward I see myself responsible for spreading the word. In order to aid in prevention I plan on talking to all new parents about S.B.S. and informing them on the issue as well as providing alternative stress relievers so that the infant remains safe. Possibly my colleagues and I will ask the hospital to allow us to create a formalized program for all new parents to learn about S.B.S if there is currently not one present. It is easily preventable and often not curable, only manageable if not fatal. There is no need for these infants to die so it is the job of all nurses who deal with infants to inform and prevent shaken baby syndrome.

References

Dias, M. S., Smith, K., DeGuehery, K., Mazur, P., Li, V., & Shaffer, M. L. (2005, April). Preventing abusive head trauma among infants and young children: A hospital-based, parent education program. Pediatrics, 115(4), e470-e477. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Goulet, C., Frappier, J.-Y., Fortin, S., Deziel, L., Lampron, A., & Boulanger, M. (2009). Development and evaluation of a shaken baby syndrome prevention program. Jognn, 38(1), 7-20. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00301.x

Guiterrez, F. L., Clements, P. T., & Averill, J. (2004, December). Shaken baby syndrome: Assessment, intervention, and prevention. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 42(12), 23-29. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Lewin, L. (2008). Shaken baby syndrome: Facts, education, and advocacy. Nursing for Women’s Health, 12(3), 235-239. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

Meskauskas, L., Beaton, K., & Meservey, M. (2009). Preventing shaken baby syndrome: A multidisciplinary response to six tragedies. Nursing for Women’s Health, 13(4), 325-330. doi:10.1111/j.1751-486X.2009.01442.x

Mraz, M. A. (2009). The physical manifestations of shaken baby syndrome. Journal of Forensic Nursing, 26-30. Retrieved from CINAHL database.