NEVER SHAKE A BABY: PEDIATRIC ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA - 1.5 CONTACT HOURS

Course overview

Pediatric abusive head trauma (PAHT), also known as “shaken baby syndrome” or “shaken impact syndrome”, is a severe type of child abuse that occurs when an infant or child under two years of age is vigorously shaken by the shoulders, arms, or legs; when the infant or child experiences deliberate, direct blows to the head; or when he or she (s/he) is deliberately dropped. This course presents the significance of pediatric abusive head trauma (PAHT) or shaken baby syndrome as well as PAHT causes, pathophysiology, risk factors, identification, and care strategies. Children less than two years of age are at the highest risk of this preventable and irreversible injury. Knowledge of risk, case identification, and care strategies are important to good care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Define pediatric abusive head trauma (PAHT). 2. Identify the significance and incidence of PAHT in Kentucky. 3. Explain the cause of PAHT. 4. Describe risk factors for PAHT. 5. Evaluate the signs and symptoms of PAHT. 6. Explain the pathophysiology of PAHT. 7. Explain ways to prevent PAHT.