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A victim of physical abuse by an intimate partner is treated for a broken wrist. The patient has considered leaving but says, 'You stay together, no matter what happens.' Which outcome should be met before the patient leaves the emergency department? The patient will:
- A. limit contact with the abuser by obtaining a restraining (protective) order.
- B. name two community resources that can be contacted.
- C. demonstrate insight into the abusive relationship.
- D. facilitate counseling for the abuser.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The only outcome indicator clearly attainable within this time is for a staff member to provide the victim with information about community resources that can be contacted. The development of insight into the abusive relationship requires time. Securing a restraining (protective) order can be quickly accomplished but not while the patient is in the emergency department. Facilitating the abuser's counseling may require weeks or months.
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Which rationale best explains why a nurse should be aware of personal feelings while working with a family experiencing family violence?
- A. Self-awareness protects one's own mental health.
- B. Strong negative feelings interfere with assessment and judgment.
- C. Strong positive feelings lead to under involvement with the victim.
- D. Positive feelings promote the development of sympathy for patients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Strong negative feelings cloud the nurse's judgment and interfere with assessment and intervention, no matter how well the nurse tries to cover or deny personal feelings. Strong positive feelings lead to overinvolvement with the victim.
Several children are seen in the emergency department for treatment of illnesses and injuries. Which finding would create a high index of suspicion for child abuse?
- A. Repeated middle ear infections
- B. Severe colic
- C. Bite marks
- D. Croup
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Injuries such as immersion or cigarette burns, facial fractures, whiplash, bite marks, traumatic injuries, bruises, and fractures in various stages of healing suggest the possibility of abuse. In older children, vague complaints such as back pain may also be suspicious. Ear infections, colic, and croup are not problems induced by violence.
An adult has recently been absent from work for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, this person returns to work wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises are apparent. What is the occupational health nurse's priority assessment question?
- A. Do you drink excessively?
- B. Did your partner beat you?
- C. How did this happen to you?
- D. What did you do to deserve this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining the person's explanation is necessary. If the explanation does not match the injuries or if the victim minimizes the injuries, abuse should be suspected.
An older adult diagnosed with dementia lives with family and attends an adult day care center. A nurse at the center notices the adult has a disheveled appearance, a strong odor of urine, and bruises on the limbs and back. What type of abuse might be occurring?
- A. Psychological
- B. Financial
- C. Physical
- D. Sexual
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The assessment of physical abuse is supported by the nurse's observation of bruises. Physical abuse includes evidence of improper care, as well as physical endangerment behaviors such as reckless behavior toward a vulnerable person that could lead to serious injury. No data substantiate the other options.
An older adult diagnosed with dementia lives with family and attends day care. After observing poor hygiene, the nurse at the center talks with the patient's adult child. This caregiver becomes defensive and says, 'It takes all my time and energy to care for my mother. She's awake all night. I never get any sleep.' Which nursing intervention has priority?
- A. Teach the caregiver more about the effects of dementia.
- B. Secure additional resources for the mother's evening and night care.
- C. Support the caregiver to grieve the loss of the mother's ability to function.
- D. Teach the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's child and family were coping with care until the patient began to stay awake at night. The family needs assistance with evening and night care to resume their pre-crisis state of functioning. Secondary prevention calls for the nurse to mobilize community resources to relieve overwhelming stress. The other interventions may then be accomplished.