Nokea
The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a patient who offers a number of vague somatic complaints that might not ordinarily prompt a visit to a caregiver: fatigue, back pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance. The patient seems tense, and after having spoken of the symptoms, seems reluctant to provide more information and is in a hurry to leave. The nurse can best serve the patient by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol. Given the patient's vague complaints, tension, reluctance to provide more information, and hurry to leave, these could be signs of potential abuse. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol allows the nurse to systematically assess for any signs of abuse, which could be contributing to the patient's somatic complaints. This approach is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
Incorrect choices:
A: Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling - This choice does not directly address the potential abuse concerns indicated by the patient's behavior.
C: Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation - While social isolation could be a contributing factor, the urgency to leave and reluctance to provide information are more indicative of potential abuse.
D: Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse - This choice is invasive and inappropriate without first completing a structured abuse assessment protocol to determine if abuse is likely.