A nurse interviews a person abducted and raped at gunpoint by an unknown assailant. The person says, 'I can't talk about it. Nothing happened. I have to forget!' What is the person's present coping strategy?
- A. Somatic reaction
- B. Repression
- C. Projection
- D. Denial
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Disbelief is common during the acute stage following sexual assault. Denial is evidence of this disbelief, used unconsciously to protect the person from the emotionally overwhelming reality of rape. The statements do not reflect somatic symptoms, repression, or projection.
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A nurse works with a person who was raped 4 years ago. This person says, 'It took a long time for me to recover from that horrible experience.' Which term should the nurse use when referring to this person?
- A. Victim
- B. Survivor
- C. Plaintiff
- D. Perpetrator
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A survivor is an individual who has experienced sexual assault, participated in interventions, and is moving forward in life. Victim refers to a person who experienced a recent sexual assault. Plaintiff refers to a person bringing a civil complaint to the court system. Perpetrator refers to a person who commits a crime.
Which situation constitutes consensual sex rather than rape?
- A. After coming home intoxicated from a party, a person forces the spouse to have sex. The spouse objects.
- B. A person's lover pleads to have oral sex. The person gives in but then regrets the decision.
- C. A person is beaten, robbed, and forcibly subjected to anal penetration by an assailant.
- D. A physician gives anesthesia for a procedure and has intercourse with an unconscious patient.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Only the scenario where the person gives in to oral sex describes consensual sex, as it involves agreement, even if later regretted. The other scenarios involve force or lack of consent.
A person was abducted and raped at gunpoint. The nurse observes this person is confused, talks rapidly in disconnected phrases, and is unable to concentrate or make simple decisions. What is the person's level of anxiety?
- A. Minimal
- B. Mild
- C. Moderate
- D. High
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anxiety is the result of a personal threat to the victim's safety and security. The person's symptoms of rapid, dissociated speech, confusion, and indecisiveness indicate severe anxiety. 'Minimal' is not a level of anxiety. Mild and moderate levels allow the person to function at a higher level.
A rape victim tells the nurse, 'I should not have been out on the street alone.' Which is the nurse's most therapeutic response?
- A. Rape can happen anywhere.'
- B. Blaming yourself only increases your anxiety and discomfort.'
- C. You believe this would not have happened if you had not been alone?'
- D. You are right. You should not have been alone on the street at night.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A reflective communication technique helps the victim explore their role in the event, aiding understanding. The other options discount the victim's perceived role or interfere with further discussion.
A child was abducted and raped. Which personal reaction by the nurse could interfere with the child's care?
- A. Disgust
- B. Concern
- C. Empathy
- D. Compassion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Feelings of empathy, concern, and compassion are helpful. Disgust may make objectivity impossible and can increase the child's anxiety and shame.
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