Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a case report.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is difficult to diagnose unless healthcare providers are astute to its clinical features and management. A case is presented to educate nurses and advanced practice nurses, of the nursing, medical, legal, and social complexities associated with Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This article also provides a brief review of the definition of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, its epidemiology, common features of the perpetrator, implications for healthcare personnel, and the legal and international ramifications of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Lieder
Holly S
HS
Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC 27710, USA. holly.lieder@duke.edu
Irving
Sharon Y
SY
Mauricio
Rizalina
R
Graf
Jeanine M
JM
D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology; D002655:Child Custody / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003422:Critical Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D004282:Documentation; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000209:etiology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006396:Hematemesis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016735:Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D012007:Rectum; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D013683:Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic / Q000150:complications