Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes related questions and content

During the nurses assessment of a female patient, the patient reveals that she experienced sexual abuse when she was a young woman. What is the nurses most appropriate response to this disclosure?

  • A. Reassure her that this information will be kept a secret.
  • B. Begin the process of intensive psychotherapy.
  • C. Encourage the patient to phone 911.
  • D. Facilitate appropriate resources and referrals.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse's primary roles in response to a disclosure of past sexual abuse are to provide empathy and arrange for appropriate resources and referrals, such as counseling or support services. Promising secrecy is inappropriate as confidentiality has limits, psychotherapy is beyond the nurse's scope, and calling 911 is unnecessary for a past event.