Chapter 12: PrepU
The nursing student learning about intimate partner violence correctly identifies its prevalence in same-sex couples as what? Twice as often as in heterosexual couples Same frequency as in heterosexual couples Half as frequent as in heterosexual couples Three times more frequent as in heterosexual couples
Same frequency as in heterosexual couples Explanation: Intimate partner violence in same-sex couples occurs with at least the same frequency as in heterosexual relationships, but people with same-sex partners may not be afforded the same support.
A nurse is giving a talk about child abuse to a local community group. When discussing risk factors for child abusers, which would the nurse identify as the most likely profile of the perpetrator of fatal child abuse? Unemployed young woman who dropped out of high school Middle-aged, wealthy businessman Young college graduate who recently gave birth to her first child Middle-aged woman with a college degree
Unemployed young woman who dropped out of high school Explanation: Perpetrators of fatal child abuse are most likely to be caregivers who are young, poorly educated, and living at or below poverty level. Young/poor/dumb
A middle-aged client with young children has been the victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). When providing initial care to this family, the nurse should: carefully assess the children for signs of trauma. determine what initially caused the violence to begin. teach the client life skills for moving on from the relationship. reassure the client that this will never happen again.
carefully assess the children for signs of trauma. Explanation: Children are inevitable victims in an IPV situation and must be assessed and cared for accordingly. The nurse must avoid false reassurance. It is unnecessary, and often impossible, to identify specific causes for IPV. Relationship skills can be addressed in follow-up care.
The school health nurse is asked to see a child who has been coming to school with no lunch for the past week. The child tells the nurse, "I don't get a lunch this week, I have been wetting the bed." The nurse identifies that this child is experiencing which type of abuse? physical sexual neglect psychological
neglect Explanation: Neglect, in this case, is the malicious withholding of a physical necessity for this child's well-being. For this child, the neglect is intended to be punitive for bed wetting. The nurse would need to investigate further and take the necessary action in reporting this as abuse. Sexual abuse refers to sexual acts performed by an adult on a child under the age of 18. In this case, the evidence does not support that the child is being sexually abused. Physical abuse refers to a deliberate physical assault by an adult on the child such as burning, biting, poking, or twisting a limb. Psychological abuse refers to verbal assaults such as blaming, screaming, name-calling, and using sarcasm. The child has not reported that this is occurring, therefore, this is most likely a situation in which the form of abuse is neglect.
A nurse is assessing a survivor of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse determines that the survivor's partner is using power and control over the client through coercion and threats. Which client statement would lead the nurse to suspect this? "My partner always tells me that the abuse never happened." "My partner tells me who I can and cannot see." "My partner tells me that he or she will tell child services I'm a bad parent." "My partner acts like the master of the castle and I'm the servant."
"My partner tells me that he or she will tell child services I'm a bad parent." Explanation: The statement about telling child services that the client is a bad parent reflects coercion and threats. The statement about the abuse never happening reflects power and control through minimizing, denying, and blaming. The statement about whom the client can and cannot see reflects power and control through the use of isolation. The statement about the partner being the master of the castle reflects power and control through the use of privilege.
Which statement made by a client raises the greatest concern that the client may be experiencing relationship violence? "He was so much nicer when we started dating." "His father physically abused his mother for years." "He doesn't like it when I go out with my girlfriends." "I don't know what else I can do to keep him from getting angry at me."
"I don't know what else I can do to keep him from getting angry at me." Explanation: A warning sign of relationship violence is feeling that you must change your life or yourself so you won't anger him or her. The remaining statements, while troublesome, are not as clearly associated with behaviors of violence.
Which statement, made by a nurse who experienced sexual abuse as as a child, demonstrates being best prepared to work with sexual abuse and trauma survivors? "I've put the incident behind me and seldom think of it." "Working with survivors of sexual trauma is very fulfilling work." "I've been supported by health care professionals and now I want to support other survivors." "Survivors of sexual assault deserve the best care I can give them."
"I've been supported by health care professionals and now I want to support other survivors." Explanation: Nurses with a personal history of abuse or trauma must seek professional assistance to deal with these issues before working with survivors of trauma or abuse. Such nurses can be very effective and supportive of other survivors but only after engaging in therapeutic work and accepting and understanding their own trauma. The nurse should not repress the memories of the trauma but rather engage in the work needed to accept the incident. The other options present true statements but none are associated with being prepared to provide the necessary care.
A nurse is assessing a client in a community clinic who reports feeling anxious lately because she is considering leaving her marriage. The client describes a long history of partner abuse associated with this relationship. How should the nurse respond to this client? "You have the right to be safe and respected." "Relationship counseling can be very helpful." "I wonder if your perceptions of the relationship are accurate." "I am here to help you through every step of this process."
"You have the right to be safe and respected." Explanation: When working with someone who is a victim of partner abuse, it is important that the nurse assertively support the client's decision. The affirmation of the client's decision can help to improve the client's self-confidence as she begin the process of leaving her partner. It is important the nurse refrain from recommending couple's counseling, imply doubt about the client's situation, or take charge and do everything for the client.
What percentage of women can expect to be a victim of an ongoing unwanted pursuit from stalking? 40-48% 5-10% 50-60% 12-32%
12-32% Explanation: Women are 12-32% and men 17% who can expect to be victims of ongoing unwanted pursuit.
A nurse is screening a new client for intimate partner violence (IPV). What aspect of this woman's current circumstances is the most significant risk factor? The client's family lives on less than $1,000 per month. The client immigrated less than 5 years ago. The client has four children. The client has no extended family in the area.
The client's family lives on less than $1,000 per month. Explanation: Low income is a salient risk factor for IPV. Recent immigration, larger than average numbers of children, and a lack of extended family are not noted as major risk factors.
Approximately what percentage of women rape victims are raped by someone they know? 65% 35% 45% 55%
65% Explanation: Approximately two-thirds of women are raped by people they know, including spouses, boyfriends, friends, or acquaintances. Among young women, about 50% of rapes are date rapes
A nursing student learning about intimate partner violence (IPV) correctly identifies the percentage of deaths attributed to IPV to be what? 70% women and 30% men 70% men and 30% women 50% women and 50% men 90% women and 10% men
70% women and 30% men Explanation: Approximately 70% of victims killed by IPV are women and 30% are men.
Nurses at an urban emergency department seek to develop a plan to help women involved in abusive relationships. Which component is critical to the success of the plan? An intimate partner violence (IPV) counselor Access to community resources for referral A quality of life assessment tool Written educational materials
Access to community resources for referral Explanation: Much of the support and treatment that will be needed for women in abusive relationships is needed in the community. Having access to these resources is the most critical aspect to ensuring effective and sustainable support for women in abusive situations. An IPV counselor in the emergency department will only be available for support when there is an acute situation for which the client has come to hospital. Such a component is effective but not a long-term option to support people in abusive relationships. A quality of life assessment tool is effective for assessment, but this is only the initial part of the plan. Written educational materials are important to enhance knowledge for women in abusive situations; however, community support services are needed to ensure follow through and sustainability.
A client is brought to the Emergency Department by a family member that reports being sexually assaulted while leaving work. What action by the nurse would best promote placing control back to the client? Inform the client that charges will have to be pressed against the perpetrator Allow the client to make decisions regarding care whenever possible Educate the client about attending a support group as soon as possible Inform the client that the assessment must be completed as soon as possible
Allow the client to make decisions regarding care whenever possible Explanation: The nurse can best offer support by allowing decisions to be made about care, who to call, and allow the care to be delivered at a pace that is comfortable for the client. It is the clients decision about whether or not to file charges and testify against the perpetrator. Educating the client about attending a support group may be done after the assessment and would be important but does not directly offer the support that is needed at this time. The assessment can be very traumatic for the client and should not be hurried or rushed through.
A school nurse is aware that a student has requested aspirin three times during the past week because his "back hurts." The nurse has noticed that he often wears long-sleeved sweaters and sweatshirts even in warm weather. The nurse suspects that the student may be the victim of physical abuse. The nurse is preparing to ask the child about his ongoing backache. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being reported by the child if he was being abused? Carefully explain that his mother disciplines him because she loves him. Give the same reason his sister would give were she asked to explain his injuries. His father is beating him on a regular basis. Be reluctant to report abuse because of shame or fear of retaliation
Be reluctant to report abuse because of shame or fear of retaliation Explanation: Most survivors do not report violence to health care providers without specifically being asked about it. Survivors may be reluctant to report abuse because of shame and fear of retaliation, especially if the victim depends on the abuser as a caregiver. In addition, children may fear they will not be believed.
When attempting to preserve evidence from a possible rape with no report of oral sex, the female victim should be instructed that which self-care activities are permitted? Brushing her teeth Douching Showering Changing clothes
Brushing her teeth Explanation: To preserve possible evidence, the physical examination should occur before the women has showered, brushed her teeth, douched, changed her clothes, or had anything to drink.If there is no report of oral sex, then rinsing the mouth or drinking fluids can be permitted immediately.
A 27-year-old has been brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services following a violent sexual assault that took place in the parking garage of the client's building. Which task would fall most clearly within the scope of practice of a forensic nurse? Providing reassurance to the client that the care team and the police will prioritize the client's care Collecting specimens from the client for use as evidence Assisting with diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the client's injuries Asking the client to describe the perpetrator in detail and documenting the client's statement
Collecting specimens from the client for use as evidence Explanation: While a forensic nurse would certainly attempt to reassure a client such as this one, a priority forensic nursing task would be collecting specimens for use as evidence. This would supersede assisting with diagnostics, which falls within the scope of any registered nurse. The police, not a nurse, would be responsible for taking the client's statement.
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is conducting a program for a women's group. When describing psychological abuse, which information would the nurse address? Select all that apply. Criticism Insults Public ridicule Isolating a person from family Uncontrollable spending
Criticism Insults Public ridicule Isolating a person from family Explanation: Psychological abuse includes behaviors such as criticizing, insulting, humiliating, or ridiculing someone in private or in public. It can also involve actions such as destroying another's property, threatening or harming pets, controlling or monitoring spending and activities, or isolating a person from family and friends.
A female client states that she has been receiving numerous text and phone messages from a co-worker. Which type of harrassment should be documented in the nurse's notes? Jealousy Isolation Harassment Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking Explanation Stalking is a pattern of repeated unwanted contact, attention, and harassment that often increases in frequency. Cyberstalking is the use of the Internet, e-mail, or other telecommunications technology to harass or stalk another person. The nurse should document the conversation in the nurse's notes.
What assessment data, related to a 77 year old client, would be considered the highest risk for possible elder abuse? Lives with adult daughter Diagnosed with mild dementia Requires assistance with food preparation Widowed, female
Diagnosed with mild dementia Explanation: While the risk of elder abuse exists in all the options provided, such abuse is more likely when the elder client has chronic mental and/or physical health problems that limit there ability to express their concerns and/or describe their current living conditions.
A mental health nurse is interviewing a child for suspected abuse. The parent states that the child is having disciplinary problems at school and stutters when approached. From the listed behavioral indicators, the nurse would suspect which type of abuse? Physical Financial Emotional Sexual
Emotional Explanation: A behavioral profile of an emotionally abused child includes stuttering, enuresis, overeating, disciplinary problems, and failure to thrive. The scenario does not refer to physical, financial, or sexual abuse.
A nurse is gathering information about a health history of a person who has experienced violence. Which are important caring behaviors a nurse should implement during the interview? Select all that apply Establish trustworthiness. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. Ask questions regarding religious background and preference. Secure open communication. Discuss the nurse's personal feelings on victims of violence.
Establish trustworthiness. Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. Secure open communication. Explanation: Establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship is one of the most important steps in caring for any person experiencing violence. Survivors are unlikely to disclose sensitive information unless they perceive the nurse to be trustworthy and nonjudgmental. Important considerations in establishing open communication are ensuring confidentiality and providing a quiet, private place in which to interact. The nurse must continually monitor personal feelings toward the perpetrator and survivor, especially in cases of child abuse or in situations where the person decides to remain in an abusive relationship. Seeking value clarification by the nurse may prevent negative feelings from influencing the nurse-client relationship that could lead to a nontherapeutic interaction and perhaps re-traumatize the survivor. The nurse should not ask about religious background or disclose personal feelings about the victim.
Nurses working with rape trauma victims need to be aware of their own attitudes about rape and sexual assault. Which rationale best explains why? Nurses can learn from the experiences of clients and thus help prevent becoming victims of assault themselves. The attitudes of individual nurses reflect on the overall profession. Nurses need to be able to sympathize with their clients. Giving back the survivor as much control as possible is important.
Giving back the survivor as much control as possible is important. Explanation: Knowing how to recognize when personal feelings are likely to interfere with optimal care is part of the nurse's professional responsibility. Giving back the survivor as much control possible is important by allowing the client to make decisions about who to call, what to do next, and what the client would like done in relation to the crime. The nurse's role in helping the survivor regain control is an essential part of recovery.
A frightened young woman calls the emergency department and tearfully tells the nurse, "I've been raped! Please help me!" Before telling the client what to do, the nurse would need to know if... If the client was injured, was in a safe place, and had transportation available If the client knew her assailant, knew her location, and had notified the police If she has insurance, if she could get to the hospital by herself, and if pregnancy is a possibility If she had bathed, douched, or changed clothes
If the client was injured, was in a safe place, and had transportation available Explanation: If the client is injured, she may need immediate medical attention; if she is in a safe place, she can talk to the nurse on the phone. All other questions can wait until the client's safety is ensured.
Which statement about intimate partner violence (IPV) is accurate? -Screening tools to help the practitioner identify IPV are quite lengthy. -Knowledge deficits and biases of health care professionals limit its detection. -Failure of victims to seek medical treatment is the primary reason for the underdetection of IPV. -Victims do not often have physical injuries.
Knowledge deficits and biases of health care professionals limit its detection. Explanation: The literature confirms that a significant factor in the underdetection of IPV rests with professional behavior. Health care practitioners often fail to identify and intervene with abused women. The underlying dynamics of poor screening practices are complex and include both biases and knowledge deficits.
A nurse is caring for a young adult in the mental health clinic. The client tells the nurse that the client was physically neglected as a child. The nurse should assess the client for symptoms of what? Major depression Schizophrenia Narcissistic personality disorder Panic disorder
Major depression Explanation: An important outcome of nursing intervention with survivors is appropriate treatment of any disorder resulting from abuse, such as acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, dissociative identity disorder, major depression, or substance abuse.
A nurse is working with a child whose parents have subjected him to neglect and emotional maltreatment, which primarily took the form of unavailability and general disinterest in his welfare. The nurse should expect that a child subjected to this type of maltreatment would experience problems in which of the following? Emotional and intellectual functioning Behavioral and physical functioning Behavioral and emotional functioning Multiple intellectual, physical, behavioral, and emotional arenas
Multiple intellectual, physical, behavioral, and emotional arenas Explanation: Maltreated children tend to have difficulties in social, behavioral, emotional, and intellectual functioning, as well as physical growth and development.
An 8-month-old infant has been brought to the emergency department unresponsive by the infant's teenage parent and the care team suspects shaken baby syndrome. When providing care for this infant, the nurse should prioritize which assessment? Respiratory assessment Neurological assessment Cardiac assessment Genitourinary assessment
Neurological assessment Explanation: While there may be musculoskeletal damage as a result of shaken baby syndrome, the most serious damage is neurological.
A nurse is working on developing a safety plan with a client who is a survivor of violence. Which would the nurse address first? Devising an escape route Recognizing the signs of danger Identifying a safe place to hide Identifying a signal to indicate it is safe to leave
Recognizing the signs of danger Explanation: One of the most important teaching goals is to help survivors develop a safety plan. The first step in developing such a plan is helping the survivor recognize the signs of danger. Changes in tone of voice, use of alcohol and other drugs, and increased criticism may indicate that the perpetrator is losing control. Detecting early warning signs helps survivors to escape before battering begins. The next step is to devise an escape route. This involves mapping the house and identifying where the battering usually occurs and what exits are available. The survivor needs to have a bag packed and hidden, but readily accessible, containing what is needed to get away. If children are involved, the adult survivor should make arrangements to get them out safely. That might include arranging a signal to indicate when it is safe for them to leave the house and to meet at a prearranged place. A safety plan for a child or dependent older adult might include safe places to hide and important telephone numbers, including 911, police and fire departments, and other family members and friends.
The nurse is aware that fewer than half of rapes and sexual assaults are reported. Which are some of the reasons people do not report being sexually assaulted? Select all that apply. The client is embarrassed of the assault. They have a fear of being blamed for the incident. The perpetrator may use coercion or threats to control the victim. The victim is responsible for the attack. The person is concerned about the financial issues associated with the hospitalization.
The client is embarrassed of the assault. They have a fear of being blamed for the incident. The perpetrator may use coercion or threats to control the victim. Explanation: Fewer than half of rapes and sexual assaults are reported, generally because of shame, embarrassment, concern about not being believed or fear of being blamed for the assault. Knowing the attacker may also be a factor that inhibits reporting. The majority of sexual violence is perpetrated by intimate partner or acquaintances and does nto involve weapons or severe physical violence. The perpetrator may use coercion, threats, or substances to control the victim. The nurse needs to understand these reasons to develop a therapeutic relationship to assist in the care of the client victim.
A client comes to the clinic for an evaluation. The nurse assesses the client and suspects that the client is a victim of abuse. Which finding would support the nurse's suspicion? Select all that apply. The client is vague about the injuries on the body. The client came to the clinic right after the injuries occurred. The client minimizes the severity of the injuries. The client has a history of frequent visits to the emergency department for injuries. The client voices statements about having control over current status.
The client is vague about the injuries on the body. The client minimizes the severity of the injuries. The client has a history of frequent visits to the emergency department for injuries. Explanation: Findings that would support a suspicion of abuse include vagueness about any injuries and how they occurred, a delay in seeking treatment for the injuries, minimizing or denying about the severity of the injuries, history of frequent visits to the emergency department for injuries, and feelings of a loss of control or powerlessness.
The nurse provides care to individuals who have been sexually assaulted during their childhood. Which characteristic is most commonly noted by the nurse during an assessment of such clients? Overly self-confident Unusually aggressive Overly social Too trustful
Unusually aggressive Explanation: A child who is a survivor of prolonged sexual abuse will develop low self-esteem, as well as developing feelings of worthlessness, and become socially withdrawn, distrustful, or suicidal. Other characteristics of children who have been sexually abused include becoming unusually aggressive.
When assessing a 6-year-old child believed to be a victim of emotional abuse, the possibility is supported when the child is ... observed to be anxious and rejecting adult attention. showing signs of developmental delays. attending day care 5 days a week. parented by a single parent.
observed to be anxious and rejecting adult attention. Explanation: While anxiety can be a sign of many different problems, an anxious child who rejects the attention of an adult may raise a red flag encouraging the nurse to assess further and possibly making a report. Developmental delays are not necessarily an indicator of emotional abuse, nor is attending day care on a regular basis. Being raised by a single parent is also not necessarily an indicator of emotional abuse.
