A new client admits to having been battered by her live-in boyfriend several times over the past 2 years. She states to the nurse, 'We plan to get married next June, and I think things will be better then. He is always so sorry afterward, that I think I can trust him to change.' Which intervention should be included in the client's teaching plan?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assist her in developing an emergency plan, since the pattern of violence is likely to continue. This choice is correct because it focuses on safety planning, which is crucial for individuals in abusive relationships. By helping the client develop an emergency plan, the nurse is acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and providing practical strategies to ensure her safety. It is important to have a plan in place in case of future violence.
Explanation for the incorrect choices:
A: Supporting her hope that the battering will end after they are married is not appropriate as it may give false hope and does not address the immediate safety concerns.
B: Enrolling in a self-defense class may not be effective in situations of domestic violence as it can escalate the violence and may not address the underlying issues causing the abuse.
C: Emphasizing that the battering pattern usually remains the same in frequency and severity over time is not as helpful as developing a concrete safety plan to address the immediate danger.