What it means
Bruises, burns or marks with a recognizable shape: finger or hand marks, a loop from a folded cord, the outline of a belt buckle, round cigarette burns, bite marks, or a clear "stocking" or "glove" line from dunking in hot water. Because accidents rarely leave such shapes, patterned injuries raise concern for abuse or assault in children, older adults and partners.
For the nurse
Describe what you see in objective words, measure it, and photograph it as policy allows. Ask how the injury happened and record the answer in the person's own words. Nurses are mandated reporters of suspected child and elder abuse.
At a glance
| Also written | patterned injuries |
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Related terms
laceration
A cut or tear in the skin or other tissue, often with jagged edges.
mandatory reporting
A legal duty to report certain things, such as suspected abuse or some diseases, to the proper authorities.