hardfactitious disorderMunchausen by proxypediatric assessmentconsultation-liaisonpattern recognition
A PMHNP in a pediatric consultation-liaison role is asked to evaluate the mother of a 6-year-old boy who has been hospitalized 8 times in the past 18 months for recurrent episodes of lethargy, vomiting, and hypoglycemia that resolve spontaneously during hospitalization. Extensive medical workups have been negative. The boy's symptoms consistently occur when he is alone with his mother and resolve within hours of hospital admission. The mother is described by nursing staff as 'extremely knowledgeable about medical conditions,' maintains a detailed binder of his medical records, appears comfortable in the hospital environment, and has requested transfers to academic medical centers for further evaluation. The boy's father, who is separated from the mother, reports the child has no symptoms during his custody time. Which assessment finding pattern is most consistent with factitious disorder imposed on another?