Nokea
A patient who is 6 months pregnant has sought medical attention, saying she fell down the stairs. Which scenario would cause an emergency department nurse to suspect that the woman has been battered?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the emergency department nurse would be most likely to suspect that the woman has been battered based on the presence of injuries on various parts of her body that are in different stages of healing. This pattern of injuries, known as the "battered woman syndrome," is a red flag for domestic violence. The varying stages of healing indicate that the injuries are not from a single accidental fall down the stairs but rather from repeated incidents of physical abuse. Additionally, the fact that the injuries are in different locations on the body further suggests that they are not the result of a single traumatic event. This situation warrants further investigation and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.