NAI Algorithm
NAI Algorithm
“Red Flag” History of Present “Red Flag” Physical Exam Findings Infant “Red Flag” Radiographic Findings
Injury Torn frenulum Metaphyseal fractures (corner)
No history or inconsistent hx FTT (weight, length, head circumference) Rib fractures (especially posterior)
Changing history Large heads in infants (consider measuring of OFC in in infants
Unwitnessed injury children < 1 yr) Any fracture in a non-ambulating
Delay in seeking care Any bruise in any non-ambulating child - “if you don’t cruise infant
Prior ED visit you don’t bruise” An undiagnosed healing fracture
Domestic Violence in home Any bruise in a non-exploratory location {especially the TEN SDH and/or SAH on neuro-imaging
Premature infant (< 37 weeks) region-Torso (area covered by a standard girl’s bathing suit), in young children, particularly in
Low birth weight/IUGR Ears and Neck} < 4yrs old (TEN-4) the absence of skull fracture
Chronic medical conditions Bruises, marks, or scars in patterns that suggest hitting with < 1 year
an object
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Radiology
Skeletal survey for < 2 years old (with 2 week follow up)
In ED if needed for disposition; or
Within 24 hours of admission
Head CT (non-contrast with 3D reconstruction) if
< 6 months of age and other findings of abuse
Bruising to face or head injuries AND < 12 months of age
Neurologic symptoms < 12 months of age (including soft symptoms such as vomiting, fussiness)
Abdominal CT if
S/Sx of abdominal trauma
ALT or AST if twice normal
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Consults
Crisis Intervention Social Work
Call CAID if diagnosis of abuse or likely abuse at:
403-1478, Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm; if after hours, leave a message and call will be returned when they return
403-1418, MB ED, after hours and weekends (they can reach the CAID Medical Director if necessary)
Report to Child Protective Services if:
Injuries are severe and above diagnosis is clear cut and/or
There are other young children in the same home
Pediatric General Surgery for trauma evaluation
If Head CT abnormal and abuse is being considered, call
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology for retinal exam*
Neuropsychology
Child Advocacy
*An Ophthalmology consult for a dilated eye exam is not necessary as part of the evaluation for physical abuse
IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET:
NORMAL head CT or CT with only a single, simple non-occipital skull fracture
NORMAL mental status/neurologic exam
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Disposition
If any suspicion of NAT has been raised during the ED encounter, a face-to-face care team “huddle” must take place prior to ED discharge. All mem-
bers involved in the patient’s care should participate including (at a minimum) the ED physician, ED RN and Social Worker.
For suspected abusive head trauma NAT cases that require admission as clinically indicated with either Intracranial abnormality identified on head CT
or suspected seizures from abusive head trauma:
Medical/Surgical trauma service admission with Q4 hour neuro checks for further child abuse work up
Consider PICU admission for:
Any child with intracranial injury/bleed or skull fracture(s) identified on head CT
Any child with normal head CT/no seizures but GCS < 15
For suspected NAT cases not involving head trauma, admission to Medical/Surgical or PICU after injuries are reviewed by ED MD and Pediatric General
Surgeon as medically indicated.
Prior to hospital discharge: care team “huddle” including all members involved in the patient’s care. Phone communication between may be utilized as
necessary.
Outpatient CAID follow-up as needed.
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Communication
Inform parents if a CPS Referral has been filed and/or if Child Advocacy is consulted.
Be direct and objective. Inform parents inflicted trauma is part of diagnostic consideration.
Keep the focus on the child. Avoid appearing judgmental. Assure parents of thoroughness of evaluation.
If you are unable to have this conversation with the parents, ask SWS or a senior colleague to do so.