What type of child abuse is most commonly encountered by pediatric nurses?

Neglect is indeed the most commonly encountered type of child abuse by pediatric nurses. It refers to a caregiver's failure to provide for a child's basic needs, which can include inadequate supervision, insufficient food, lack of proper housing, poor hygiene, and failure to provide medical care. This form of abuse is particularly prevalent because it can occur in a variety of situations and is often more subtle than other types, making it easier to overlook. Pediatric nurses frequently interact with children and families in settings such as clinics and hospitals, where indicators of neglect—like malnourishment or poor hygiene—may be more evident.

In contrast, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, while serious and concerning issues, do not occur as frequently as neglect across populations. Physical abuse typically involves direct harm or injury and can be more visibly identifiable, but it is reported less often than neglect. Emotional abuse often manifests in ways that may not be immediately apparent, making it harder to detect during medical assessments. Sexual abuse, although critical to identify and address, tends to be less commonly reported and discussed in pediatric populations compared to neglect. Thus, pediatric nurses encounter neglect more frequently in their practice.