Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions Related

Review Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions related questions and content

An 8-year-old is admitted to the hospital after being sexually abused by an adult family member. The child is withdrawn and appears frightened. Which describes the best plan for the initial nursing encounter to convey concern and support?

  • A. Introduce self and explain to the child that she or he is safe now here in the hospital.
  • B. Introduce self and tell the child that you would like to sit with the child for a little while.
  • C. Introduce self and then ask the child to express how she or he feels about the events leading up to this hospital admission.
  • D. Introduce self, explain your role, and ask the child to act out the sexual encounter with the abuser with the use of art therapy.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Victims of sexual abuse may exhibit fear and anxiety regarding what has just occurred. In addition, they may fear that the abuse could be repeated. When initiating contact with a child victim of sexual abuse who demonstrates a fear of others, it is best to convey a willingness to spend time and move slowly to initiate activities that may be perceived as threatening. After a rapport is established, the nurse may explore the child's feelings or use various therapeutic modalities to encourage the recounting of the sexual encounter. Option 2 conveys a plan for an initial encounter that establishes trust by sitting with the child in a nonthreatening atmosphere. Option 1 does not convey concern and support by the nurse. Options 3 and 4 may be implemented after trust and rapport are established.