Nokea
A client, age 70, was brought into the Emergency Department by family members who reported a fall. During the assessment the nurse became suspicious that the client had suffered physical abuse. The client denied that she had been abused. Her denial is most likely based on her:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fear of the possibility of being removed from her family. This is because elderly individuals who are experiencing abuse may fear being separated from their family if they disclose the abuse. This fear of losing their support system can lead them to deny or minimize the abuse. This choice is the most likely reason for the client's denial in this scenario.
Choice A: Strong belief that nothing could be done to help her is incorrect because the client's denial is not based on a belief that nothing could be done, but rather on a fear of being removed from her family.
Choice C: Feeling that she deserved the physical abuse is incorrect as victims of abuse often do not feel they deserve the abuse, but rather may feel ashamed or fearful.
Choice D: Lack of trust that the situation could be changed is incorrect because the client's denial is more likely based on a fear of losing her family, rather than a lack of trust in the situation changing.