A 45-year-old married woman who works full time in a factory has recently been absent for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, she returned to work wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises were apparent. Her supervisor became suspicious that she was a victim of battering and referred her to the occupational health nurse. Which initial inquiry would be most important for the nurse to make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Tell me what has happened to you." This open-ended question allows the woman to share her experience without judgment or assumptions. It shows empathy and respect for her autonomy. It is crucial for the nurse to gather information directly from the patient to understand the situation fully and provide appropriate support.
Choice B is incorrect because it assumes the woman's husband is the perpetrator without giving her a chance to disclose the information herself. This can be intimidating and may not lead to a truthful response.
Choice C is incorrect because it implies blame on the victim for the abuse, which is not appropriate. It does not focus on providing support or understanding the situation.
Choice D is incorrect as it puts the responsibility on the victim to prevent the abuse, which is not a helpful approach. The focus should be on providing support and understanding the victim's situation.
Nokea