Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: a nursing overview.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a common but often undetected form of child abuse in which a parent fabricates or falsifies an illness in the child and then presents the child for medical treatment, disclaiming knowledge as to the etiology of the illness. Nurses are instrumental in the early identification and detection of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. A case study emphasizes the role of nurses as part of the multidisciplinary approach. Use of the nursing process demonstrates comprehensive care in management.