CEN SEXUAL ASSAULT Questions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sexual assault victim should receive prophylactic treatment for which disorder? A. Syphilis B. Human immunodeficiency virus infection C. Hepatitis B D. Trichomoniasis
trichomoniasis
Using the Emergency Severity Index, the triage nurse should classify patients who have been sexually assaulted in which category?
2: emergent triage priority Sexual assaults meet the psychological distress criteria for emergent triage priority. On the Emergency Severity Index, this is classified as a category 2.
Question 4: Which statement best reflects the psychological effects of a sexual assault? A. Rape-trauma syndrome is a common, short-term effect. B. The emotional response among individuals is consistent. C. Panic attacks may be a late reaction to the assault. D. A fear of death may persist after the assault.
A fear of death commonly occurs during the assault and may continue afterward. The emotional response to sexual assault varies among individuals. Anxiety, panic attacks, or both may be early reactions, and victims may also be hypervigilant in their environments. Rape-trauma syndrome is present when long-term emotional and physiologic effects interfere with a victim's ability to function normally.
Which practitioner can perform a medical screening examination for a sexual assault patient who presents to the emergency department? A. Registered nurse B. Sexual assault nurse examiner C. Law enforcement official D. Nurse practitioner
A physician or mid-level provider, such as a nurse practitioner, should perform a medical screening examination to rule out an emergency medical condition. In most facilities, a sexual assault nurse examiner is not credentialed to perform this function. However, a sexual assault nurse examiner can identify and document physical and genital injuries for evidence and courtroom testimony. Law enforcement officials should not be in the examination room during the medical-forensic examination. A registered nurse should be assigned to the patient throughout the ED visit to provide continuity of care but is not responsible for the medical screening examination.
Which practitioner can perform a medical screening examination for a sexual assault patient who presents to the emergency department? A. Registered nurse B. Sexual assault nurse examiner C. Law enforcement official D. Nurse practitioner
A physician or mid-level provider, such as a nurse practitioner, should perform a medical screening examination to rule out an emergency medical condition. In most facilities, a sexual assault nurse examiner is not credentialed to perform this function. However, a sexual assault nurse examiner can identify and document physical and genital injuries for evidence and courtroom testimony. Law enforcement officials should not be in the examination room during the medical-forensic examination. A registered nurse should be assigned to the patient throughout the ED visit to provide continuity of care but is not responsible for the medical screening examination.
Which statement accurately describes a rape-shield law? A. It refers to the care of a patient who has feelings of a "secondary rape." B. It determines the amount of time that evidence can be stored. C. It considers the victim's sexual history irrelevant in a trial. D. It requires law enforcement officials to follow each step of evidence collection.
A rape-shield law considers the victim's sexual history irrelevant in a trial. The law does not relate to evidence storage time, patients with feelings of "secondary rape," or law enforcement involvement in evidence collection.
Which statement is the best reason for having a sexual assault nurse examiner collect evidence from a sexual assault patient? A. The documentation of all injuries by a sexual assault nurse examiner helps convict offenders. B. A sexual assault nurse examiner can independently prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. C. Patients who receive care from a sexual assault nurse examiner are the most likely to go to trial. D. The sexual assault nurse examiner can determine innocence or guilt.
A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse who has advanced education in the forensic examination of sexual assault victims. These nurses have specialized knowledge in identifying and documenting physical and genital injuries for evidence and courtroom testimony, which helps law enforcement officials apprehend and convict offenders. Because of this, cases are more likely to be plea-bargained rather than go to trial. A sexual assault nurse examiner cannot independently prescribe prophylactic antibiotics but follows established medical protocols. The determination of guilt or innocence is a legal determination, not a nursing judgment.
Which statement is the best reason for having a sexual assault nurse examiner collect evidence from a sexual assault patient? A. The documentation of all injuries by a sexual assault nurse examiner helps convict offenders. B. A sexual assault nurse examiner can independently prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. C. Patients who receive care from a sexual assault nurse examiner are the most likely to go to trial. D. The sexual assault nurse examiner can determine innocence or guilt.
A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse who has advanced education in the forensic examination of sexual assault victims. These nurses have specialized knowledge in identifying and documenting physical and genital injuries for evidence and courtroom testimony, which helps law enforcement officials apprehend and convict offenders. Because of this, cases are more likely to be plea-bargained rather than go to trial. A sexual assault nurse examiner cannot independently prescribe prophylactic antibiotics but follows established medical protocols. The determination of guilt or innocence is a legal determination, not a nursing judgment.
A sexual assault response team is responsible for which intervention? A. Provide appropriate prophylaxis. B. Collect forensic evidence. C. Provide multidisciplinary care. D. Document findings.
A sexual assault response team (SART) is a multidisciplinary group of community professionals who work together in the best interest of sexual assault victims. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is responsible for collecting forensic evidence, providing appropriate prophylaxis, and documenting findings.
Which statement accurately characterizes acquaintance (date) rape?
It is the most common type of sexual assault. Acquaintance (date) rape is an act of violence and opportunity. A recent study showed 73 percent of sexual assaults were committed by someone known to the victims. Of these assaults, 38 percent were raped by a friend or acquaintance, 28 percent were raped by an intimate partner, and 7 percent were raped by a relative. Acquaintance rape is more prevalent among college students than the general population. Out of fear of jeopardizing college relationships, 95 percent of college victims never report the assault to the authorities and usually delay seeking medical care or do not seek care at all.
state what accurately characterizes the term statutory rape?
It refers to the age of the sexual assault victim. Statutory rape refers to the legal age of consent for sexual conduct, penetration, or both. Rape statutes in all states deem minors and physically and mentally incapacitated people to be incapable of consenting to sex. These people are assured of special legal protection because they are considered especially vulnerable due to their youth or condition. State laws vary regarding minors and the legal age for consent of sexual conduct or penetration.
Which statement accurately characterizes acquaintance (date) rape? A. Most victims are raped by a relative. B. It is the most common type of sexual assault. C. It is most prevalent among high school students. D. Its victims tend to seek medical care immediately.
Acquaintance (date) rape is an act of violence and opportunity. A recent study showed 73 percent of sexual assaults were committed by someone known to the victims. Of these assaults, 38 percent were raped by a friend or acquaintance, 28 percent were raped by an intimate partner, and 7 percent were raped by a relative. Acquaintance rape is more prevalent among college students than the general population. Out of fear of jeopardizing college relationships, 95 percent of college victims never report the assault to the authorities and usually delay seeking medical care or do not seek care at all.
After collecting evidence from a patient who was sexually assaulted, which intervention is appropriate? A. Have the patient sit in the waiting room for discharge instructions. B. Have the patient remain in the examination room in case more tests are needed. C. Provide clean clothing for the patient to wear. D. Keep the patient from eating or drinking until cleared by law enforcement officials.
After evidence collection, ask if the patient would like to shower and offer clean clothing to wear. If possible, move the patient out of the examination area into a private consultation room and ensure that the advocate or another support person stays with the patient. Offer food, drink, and a pillow and blanket if the patient must wait for a while.
Which intervention is the priority when treating a patient who was sexually assaulted? A. Obtain the support of a rape crisis team member. B. Gather evidence and identify the perpetrator. C. Identify physical trauma that requires immediate treatment. D. Report the event to local law enforcement officials.
Although the patient may need all of these interventions, identifying physical trauma that requires immediate treatment is the initial priority when caring for a patient who was sexually assaulted.
When caring for a sexual assault patient, you should keep which statement in mind? A. The time limit for evidence collection is consistent in all states. B. Forensic evidence cannot be obtained more than 24 hours after the assault. C. Agents used in drug-faciliated rape are detectable on standard urine drug testing. D. The patient's history should be assault-specific.
An assault-specific history determines the type of evidence collection that is necessary. Research shows that some evidence may be present more than 24 hours after an assault. Agents used in drug-facilitated rape are not detectable on standard urine drug testing. These specimens usually must be sent to a crime laboratory for testing because most facilities do not have the capability to run specialized toxicology tests required to detect these agents. The nurse should determine the time limit for evidence collection in the facility's jurisdiction because time limits vary from state to state.
When caring for a sexual assault patient, you should keep which statement in mind?
An assault-specific history determines the type of evidence collection that is necessary. Research shows that some evidence may be present more than 24 hours after an assault. Agents used in drug-facilitated rape are not detectable on standard urine drug testing. These specimens usually must be sent to a crime laboratory for testing because most facilities do not have the capability to run specialized toxicology tests required to detect these agents. The nurse should determine the time limit for evidence collection in the facility's jurisdiction because time limits vary from state to state.
Which procedure preserves evidence for a patient who has been sexually assaulted?
B. Have the patient provide the first-voided urine specimen without cleansing first. If the assault occurred recently and the patient has not voided yet, ask if he or she is comfortable without urinating until the examination is complete. If not, instruct the patient to void but not wipe or wash away secretions until after the examination. Collect a urine specimen at this time. Use an ultraviolet light to help identify stains that are not visible to the naked eye. For male patients, use moistened (not dry) swabs to thoroughly swab the external surface of the penile shaft and glans (not the scrotum). Collect oral swabs early so that the victim may rinse his or her mouth and have something to drink
When called to testify in a sexual assault case, what is the staff nurse's responsibility? A. Review facility policies and protocols related to the case. B. Volunteer as much information as possible to support the survivor. C. Refer to personal notes taken at the time of the ED visit. D. Provide an expert opinion on what occurred during the assault.
Before testifying, the nurse should review facility policies and protocols related to the case. During testimony, the nurse should answer questions only when asked, remain objective and truthful, act as an unbiased witness, and not take the position of an advocate. The only documentation that the nurse should review is the patient's medical record. The judge may qualify a sexual assault nurse examiner as an expert witness who is then allowed to give opinion testimony and offer conclusions about his or her findings.
Which prophylactic medication should be avoided if the patient has had an alcoholic drink in the last 24 hours?
Metronidazole (Flagyl) Metronidazole (Flagyl) should not be administered if the patient has consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours. The combination may cause an interaction that produces severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, tachycardia, and shortness of breath.
name 2 drugs that are considered a date-rape drug?
Common date-rape drugs include ketamine (Ketalar), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and other benzodiazepines, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Which drug is considered a date-rape drug? A. Marijuana B. Ketamine C. Cocaine D. Phencyclidine
Common date-rape drugs include ketamine (Ketalar), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and other benzodiazepines, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Marijuana, cocaine, and phencyclidine are illegal drugs but not date-rape drugs.
Which intervention requires patient consent?
Completing a sexual assault evidence kit Written consent is required to conduct the medical forensic examination. Permission is not required to contact a crisis advocate. In fact, the nurse should ask the advocate to come to the hospital and introduce him or her to the patient. At that point, the patient can decide to speak with the advocate. In some states, nurses may be mandatory reporters for sexual assault; however, the patient decides whether or not to file a police report regarding the assault to law enforcement officials and release the evidence kit to them. As part of basic nursing care, the nurse provides comfort measures while maintaining the integrity of the evidence.
Legally, which factor differentiates sexual assault from consensual behavior?
Contact without explicit consent The law recognizes sexual behavior as sexual assault in situations characterized by a lack of explicit consent. This includes when a person is physically forced, verbally threatened, unconscious, drugged, a minor, developmentally disabled, or chronically mentally ill or believes he or she is undergoing a medical procedure. Sexual assault is not defined by religious or cultural values, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, socioeconomic status, or ethnic origin.
Which information should be part of the ED record for a sexual assault patient? A. Sexual orientation B. Activity in the hours before the assault C. Place of the assault D. Number of alcoholic beverages consumed
Data for standard documentation include the date, time, and place of the assault; activity in the hours after the assault, such as changing clothes and bathing; pertinent medical (not sexual) history, including the last menstrual period, contraceptive use, communicable diseases, and sexual activity in the last 72 hours other than during the sexual assault; a brief description of the assault and assailants; and injuries and marks, no matter how small. The number of alcoholic beverages consumed and sexual orientation are not necessary information.
hich information should be part of the ED record for a sexual assault patient? A. Sexual orientation B. Activity in the hours before the assault C. Place of the assault D. Number of alcoholic beverages consumed
Data for standard documentation include the date, time, and place of the assault; activity in the hours after the assault, such as changing clothes and bathing; pertinent medical (not sexual) history, including the last menstrual period, contraceptive use, communicable diseases, and sexual activity in the last 72 hours other than during the sexual assault; a brief description of the assault and assailants; and injuries and marks, no matter how small. The number of alcoholic beverages consumed and sexual orientation are not necessary information.
A woman who has been sexually assaulted asks if she should report the assault to the police. How should the emergency nurse respond?
Explain the local reporting requirements and encourage the patient to speak with an advocate. The nurse should inform the patient of the hospital's requirement to report sexual assaults. The nurse should also provide accurate information about reporting so that the patient can make an informed decision. A victim advocate can help the patient understand the implications of making a police report. To protect the integrity of possible evidence, the nurse should encourage the patient to have evidence collected as soon as possible and should inform her that the kit can be held for a time (determined by the jurisdiction) until she makes a decision to report. Discouraging the patient from reporting for any reason is a disservice to the patient.
Question 12: For a patient who was sexually assaulted, what is the purpose of a follow-up examination? A. To detect new infections B. To complete human immunodeficiency virus immunization C. To provide psychiatric counseling D. To perform a pregnancy test
Follow-up examinations are used to detect new infections acquired during or after the assault; complete hepatitis B immunization, if indicated; complete counseling and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections; and monitor for side effects of and compliance with postexposure human immunodeficiency virus prophylaxis, if prescribed. A pregnancy test is not usually performed during the follow-up examination.
what intervention is the priority when treating a patient who was sexually assaulted?
Identify physical trauma that requires immediate treatment. Although the patient may need all of these interventions, identifying physical trauma that requires immediate treatment is the initial priority when caring for a patient who was sexually assaulted.
Which procedure preserves evidence for a patient who has been sexually assaulted? A. Use a flashlight to identify stains that are not immediately visible. B. Have the patient provide the first-voided urine specimen without cleansing first. C. Using a specialized dry swab, brush the penis and scrotum. D. Obtain a swab from the oral cavity after the patient rinses with 5 mL of saline solution.
If the assault occurred recently and the patient has not voided yet, ask if he or she is comfortable without urinating until the examination is complete. If not, instruct the patient to void but not wipe or wash away secretions until after the examination. Collect a urine specimen at this time. Use an ultraviolet light to help identify stains that are not visible to the naked eye. For male patients, use moistened (not dry) swabs to thoroughly swab the external surface of the penile shaft and glans (not the scrotum). Collect oral swabs early so that the victim may rinse his or her mouth and have something to drink.
Which prophylactic medication should be avoided if the patient has had an alcoholic drink in the last 24 hours? A. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) B. Metronidazole (Flagyl) C. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) D. Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Metronidazole (Flagyl) should not be administered if the patient has consumed alcohol in the past 24 hours. The combination may cause an interaction that produces severe nausea, vomiting, flushing, tachycardia, and shortness of breath.
When you suspect a date-rape drug was involved in an assault, which intervention is most important
Obtain a urine specimen for toxicology screening as soon as possible. Collect a first-voided urine specimen as soon as possible after an assault because it will have the highest drug level for testing. As time goes on after the assault (and even after one voiding), the date-rape drug level drops, sometimes to undetectable levels. Obtain the urine specimen before the patient has any oral intake because fluids will dilute the level of any date-rape drugs that are present. If the patient suspects that a particular drug was used, document this. However, it is not the most important intervention. Waiting for instructions from law enforcement officials is unnecessary.
A victim of sexual assault may experience which early psychological effects?
Panic attacks Anxiety, panic attacks, or both may be early reactions, and victims may also be hypervigilant in their environment. Rape-trauma syndrome occurs when emotional and physiologic effects become long term and interfere with a victim's ability to function normally. Nightmares, flashbacks, and social withdrawal are symptoms of rape-trauma syndrome.
Which statement best reflects care for patients who have been sexually assaulted? B. These patients probably will not remember their ED experience. C. These patients need to hear that they have the right to decide what to do with their bodies. D. Joke telling and laughing are uncharacteristic behaviors in these patients.
Patients need to hear that they have the right to decide what to do with their bodies and that no one has the right to hurt or violate them in any way. The initial ED experience can have a major effect on the acute phase of recovery for sexual assault victims. Patients with obvious physical injury or evidence that could be compromised should be taken immediately to a treatment area, not a private waiting room. Victim behaviors may include laughing, crying, telling a joke, having a flat affect, being emotionally labile, or seeming preoccupied.
Which statement best reflects care for patients who have been sexually assaulted? A. All patients with this complaint should be immediately placed in a private waiting room. B. These patients probably will not remember their ED experience. C. These patients need to hear that they have the right to decide what to do with their bodies. D. Joke telling and laughing are uncharacteristic behaviors in these patients.
Patients need to hear that they have the right to decide what to do with their bodies and that no one has the right to hurt or violate them in any way. The initial ED experience can have a major effect on the acute phase of recovery for sexual assault victims. Patients with obvious physical injury or evidence that could be compromised should be taken immediately to a treatment area, not a private waiting room. Victim behaviors may include laughing, crying, telling a joke, having a flat affect, being emotionally labile, or seeming preoccupied.
Who commits most sexual assaults?
People known to their victims According to the 2005 National Crime Victimization Study, 73 percent of sexual assaults were committed by people who were known to their victims—not strangers in dark alleys or serial rapists. Perpetrators commit sexual assault to dominate, abuse, and humiliate. Sexual assault has nothing to do with passion, lust, desire, or sexual arousal.
Which statement most accurately describes sexual assault? A. It is triggered by sexual arousal. B. It may be encouraged by provocative behavior. C. It is a crime of passion. D. It is a crime of humiliation.
Perpetrators commit sexual assault to dominate, abuse, and humiliate. A sexual assault victim must understand that if the sexual contact was unwanted, then the assault was not his or her fault. Sexual assault is not a crime of passion, but it is a crime of power and control. This aggressive behavior through sex has nothing to do with passion, lust, desire, or sexual arousal.
Which procedure best preserves clothing evidence for a patient who has been sexually assaulted? A. Have the patient undress over the paper sheet on top of a clean hospital sheet. B. Place each piece of the patient's clothing in a separate plastic bag. C. Cut out any areas of the clothing that are stained or bloodied. D. Wrap the clothing in paper towels prior to placing in a paper bag.
Place the paper sheet from the kit on top of a clean hospital sheet and have the patient undress over it to collect any loose fibers or materials. Place collectible clothing items in paper bags, one item per bag, and then label and seal each bag as directed. Do not use plastic bags for evidence because they facilitate mold growth. Do not wrap the clothing in paper towels or damage the clothing in any way, such as by cutting.
Which procedure best preserves clothing evidence for a patient who has been sexually assaulted? A. Have the patient undress over the paper sheet on top of a clean hospital sheet. B. Place each piece of the patient's clothing in a separate plastic bag. C. Cut out any areas of the clothing that are stained or bloodied. D. Wrap the clothing in paper towels prior to placing in a paper bag.
Place the paper sheet from the kit on top of a clean hospital sheet and have the patient undress over it to collect any loose fibers or materials. Place collectible clothing items in paper bags, one item per bag, and then label and seal each bag as directed. Do not use plastic bags for evidence because they facilitate mold growth. Do not wrap the clothing in paper towels or damage the clothing in any way, such as by cutting.
A sexual assault response team is responsible for which intervention?
Provide multidisciplinary care. A sexual assault response team (SART) is a multidisciplinary group of community professionals who work together in the best interest of sexual assault victims. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is responsible for collecting forensic evidence, providing appropriate prophylaxis, and documenting findings.
When called to testify in a sexual assault case, what is the staff nurse's responsibility?
Review facility policies and protocols related to the case. Before testifying, the nurse should review facility policies and protocols related to the case. During testimony, the nurse should answer questions only when asked, remain objective and truthful, act as an unbiased witness, and not take the position of an advocate. The only documentation that the nurse should review is the patient's medical record. The judge may qualify a sexual assault nurse examiner as an expert witness who is then allowed to give opinion testimony and offer conclusions about his or her findings.
Question 3: Using the Emergency Severity Index, the triage nurse should classify patients who have been sexually assaulted in which category? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4
Sexual assaults meet the psychological distress criteria for emergent triage priority. On the Emergency Severity Index, this is classified as a category 2.
Which statement accurately characterizes the term statutory rape? A. The term does not apply to married couples. B. It assures single women of special legal protection. C. It refers to the age of the sexual assault victim. D. The laws related to this term are the same in all states.
Statutory rape refers to the legal age of consent for sexual conduct, penetration, or both. Rape statutes in all states deem minors and physically and mentally incapacitated people to be incapable of consenting to sex. These people are assured of special legal protection because they are considered especially vulnerable due to their youth or condition. State laws vary regarding minors and the legal age for consent of sexual conduct or penetration.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sexual assault victim should receive prophylactic treatment for which disorder? A. Syphilis B. Human immunodeficiency virus infection C. Hepatitis B D. Trichomoniasis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend prophylactic treatment for trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection. They recommend considering prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus infection and hepatitis B.
Legally, which factor differentiates sexual assault from consensual behavior? A. Cultural beliefs and values B. Contact without explicit consent C. Sexual orientation D. Marital status
The law recognizes sexual behavior as sexual assault in situations characterized by a lack of explicit consent. This includes when a person is physically forced, verbally threatened, unconscious, drugged, a minor, developmentally disabled, or chronically mentally ill or believes he or she is undergoing a medical procedure. Sexual assault is not defined by religious or cultural values, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, socioeconomic status, or ethnic origin.
Question 10: When caring for a sexual assault patient, you should keep which statement in mind? A. The nurse should document patient statements in the patient's own words. B. Sexual assault is a medical determination, not a legal one. C. The healthcare provider's opinion is integral to the examination process. D. The documentation of the patient's findings should remain subjective.
The nurse should document any statements made by the patient in the patient's own words, using quotation marks. Sexual assault is a legal determination, not a medical one. The opinion of the healthcare provider about whether or not an assault occurred has no relevance in the examination. Personal judgments must not interfere with a sexual assault victim's care. All medical and nursing documentation should be objective and should use accurate descriptions.
When caring for a sexual assault patient, you should keep in mind what in particular about pt's statements in mind?
The nurse should document patient statements in the patient's own words. The nurse should document any statements made by the patient in the patient's own words, using quotation marks. Sexual assault is a legal determination, not a medical one. The opinion of the healthcare provider about whether or not an assault occurred has no relevance in the examination. Personal judgments must not interfere with a sexual assault victim's care. All medical and nursing documentation should be objective and should use accurate descriptions.
How does obtaining oral swabs early during evidence collection allow for patient-centered care?
The patient can then rinse the mouth and have something to drink. Obtaining oral swabs early allows for the patient to do such things as perform oral hygiene, drink water, and chew gum after an assault, which demonstrates patient-centered care. Although systematic, head-to-toe evidence collection is the best practice, this is not the reason to collect the oral swabs early. The drying time for swabs has nothing to do with patient-centered care. Obtaining oral swabs may be minimally invasive. However, this is not a patient-sensitive reason for obtaining oral swabs early in the evidence collection process.
When caring for a sexual assault patient, you should keep this statement in mind?
The patient's history should be assault-specific. An assault-specific history determines the type of evidence collection that is necessary. Research shows that some evidence may be present more than 24 hours after an assault. Agents used in drug-facilitated rape are not detectable on standard urine drug testing. These specimens usually must be sent to a crime laboratory for testing because most facilities do not have the capability to run specialized toxicology tests required to detect these agents. The nurse should determine the time limit for evidence collection in the facility's jurisdiction because time limits vary from state to state.
What does the chain of custody refer to?
The person who has possession of evidence at any given time The nurse must properly document the handoff of evidence collected during the medical forensic examination to maintain the integrity of the evidence. This is the chain of custody. Chain of command and chain of custody refer to two unrelated processes. The custody of a patient's personal belongings has no relevance to the chain of custody, which relates to evidence collection. The time the suspect is caught has nothing to do with the chain of custody.
For a patient who was sexually assaulted, what is the purpose of a follow-up examination?
To detect new infections Follow-up examinations are used to detect new infections acquired during or after the assault; complete hepatitis B immunization, if indicated; complete counseling and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections; and monitor for side effects of and compliance with postexposure human immunodeficiency virus prophylaxis, if prescribed. A pregnancy test is not usually performed during the follow-up examination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sexual assault victim is treated prophylacticly for
Trichomoniasis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend prophylactic treatment for trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection. They recommend considering prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus infection and hepatitis B. They make no recommendation for syphilis prophylaxis.
When is the nurse required to report a sexual assault to law enforcement officials?
Upon learning that a sexual assault has occurred The law requires hospitals to notify law enforcement officials of sexual assaults immediately so they can take measures to apprehend the offender and provide for the victim's safety. The nurse should inform the patient of this reporting requirement. The victim has the right to choose not to file a police report and the right to refuse forensic evidence collection.
Which fact is pertinent when caring for a victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault? A. The patient reports feeling intoxicated 15 minutes after drinking a beverage. B. Most date-rape drugs have a long half-life. C. The patient has a detailed recollection of the assault. D. The patient awakens clothed but sore 1 hour later.
Victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault commonly report feeling intoxicated about 15 minutes after drinking a beverage that he or she accepted from someone or that was left unattended. The nurse should collect a blood sample and first-void urine specimen as quickly as possible because date-rape drugs have a short half-life. The patient usually has no recollection of the incident or has only vague memories. The patient awakens many hours later and may find himself or herself undressed or partially dressed with clothing not worn as he or she normally wears it.
Which statement accurately describes the chain of custody? B. Expect the police officer to verify the whereabouts of the evidence at all times. C. Place the swabs on the counter to dry before packaging them as evidence. D. Seal and label the evidence collection kit in front of the patient.
When completing an evidence collection kit, return all of the sealed and labeled packages to the kit, close it in the presence of the patient, and then seal and label the kit as directed. To maintain the integrity of the evidence, the nurse must be able to verify its whereabouts at all times. If a drying box is used for the swabs, keep it locked and allow only the examining nurse to open and close it. If the patient declines any part of the evidence collection kit, only enclose the items collected. Discard any unused items, noting this on the kit, where appropriate.
Which statement accurately describes the chain of custody? A. If the patient declines any part of the evidence collection kit, enclose the empty containers in the kit. B. Expect the police officer to verify the whereabouts of the evidence at all times. C. Place the swabs on the counter to dry before packaging them as evidence. D. Seal and label the evidence collection kit in front of the patient.
When completing an evidence collection kit, return all of the sealed and labeled packages to the kit, close it in the presence of the patient, and then seal and label the kit as directed. To maintain the integrity of the evidence, the nurse must be able to verify its whereabouts at all times. If a drying box is used for the swabs, keep it locked and allow only the examining nurse to open and close it. If the patient declines any part of the evidence collection kit, only enclose the items collected. Discard any unused items, noting this on the kit, where appropriate.
Men may be victims of sexual assault for which reason? A. Sexual orientation of the victim B. Martial status of the victim C. Dominance of the aggressor D. Socioeconomic disparity
Your correct answer: C Men are raped for the same reasons women are raped: power, control, and humiliation. Sexual assault is not defined by marital status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnic origin, or religious or cultural affiliation. Male sexual assault is underreported because fewer options are available for support and because male victims fear being labeled as homosexuals or as being unable to defend themselves.
When a sexual assault case goes to trial and you are called to testify, which of these actions is inappropriate?
any personal notes you made about the case. The nurse should not make any personal notes about a patient case because they could be found discoverable and subpoenaed into a court of law. The medical forensic patient record should be the only documentation of the sexual assault victim's encounter in the emergency department. You should ensure that your curriculum vitae or résumé is current because it will be used as a reference document in court. You should review the patient record and any relevant hospital protocols to refresh your memory before a court proceeding. The hospital attorney should always be notified when a staff member is subpoenaed to appear in court for a patient case
Which medication is administered to prevent pregnancy? A. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) B. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) C. Metronidazole (Flagyl) D. Azithromycin (Zithromax)
correct answer: B Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) is administered to prevent pregnancy. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin), metronidazole (Flagyl), and azithromycin (Zithromax) are given to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
What is the recommended time frame for forensic evidence collection after a sexual assault?
up to 3 days The recommended time frame for forensic evidence collection is up to 3 days (72 hours) after a sexual assault. Current methods of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing allow the identification of the semen donor type after 72 hours, so evidence may be collected beyond the 3-day recommendation. Check to determine the time limit in your jurisdiction
