Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Individuals with Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now referred to as Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another, typically exhibit behaviors that suggest they are the perfect caregiver. This condition involves a caregiver, often a parent, who intentionally produces or feigns illness in another person, usually a child, to gain attention, sympathy, or approval. The caregiver goes to great lengths to present themselves as devoted and attentive, enhancing the illusion of needing to manage a sick child. This façade can manifest in different ways, such as being excessively involved in the child's medical care, insisting on numerous medical interventions, or portraying themselves as an expert in their child’s condition.

The portrayal of being an impeccable caregiver can lead health professionals to overlook the potential for abuse or manipulation, making the caregivers' actions in this context particularly concerning. Therefore, the behavior associated with this syndrome highlights the caregiver's desire for recognition and validation, rather than genuine care for the child’s well-being.