CHAPTER 26 - Survivors of Abuse or Neglect

4. A woman who has a long history of being battered by her husband is staying at the woman's shelter. She has received emotional support from staff and peers and has been made aware of the alternatives open to her. Nevertheless, she decides to return to her home and marriage. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse to the woman's decision? a. "I just can't believe you have decided to go back to that horrible man." b. "I'm just afraid he will kill you or the children when you go back." c. "What makes you think things have changed with him?" d. "I hope you have made the right decision. Call this number if you need help."

"I hope you have made the right decision. Call this number if you need help."

A college student was sexually assaulted when out on a date. After several weeks of crisis intervention therapy, which client statement should indicate to a nurse that the student is handling this situation in a healthy manner? 1. "I know that it was not my fault." 2. "My boyfriend has trouble controlling his sexual urges." 3. "If I don't put myself in a dating situation, I won't be at risk." 4. "Next time I will think twice about wearing a sexy dress."

"I know that it was not my fault." The client who realizes that sexual assault was not her fault is handling the situation in a healthy manner. The nurse should provide nonjudgmental listening and communicate statements that instill trust and validate self-worth. 712-714

A nursing instructor is teaching about intimate partner violence. Which of the following student statements indicate that learning has occurred? (Select all that apply.) 1. "Intimate partner violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by an intimate partner." 2. "Intimate partner violence is used to gain power and control over the other intimate partner." 3. "Fifty-one percent of victims of intimate violence are women." 4. "Women ages 25 to 34 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence." 5. "Victims are typically young married women who are dependent housewives."

"Intimate partner violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by an intimate partner." "Intimate partner violence is used to gain power and control over the other intimate partner." "Women ages 25 to 34 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence." Intimate partner violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by an intimate partner. It is used to gain power and control over the other intimate partner. Women ages 25 to 34 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence. 704-706

1. Sharon, a woman with multiple cuts and abrasions, arrives at the emergency department with her three small children. She tells the nurse her husband inflicted these wounds on her. She says, "I didn't want to come. I'm really okay. He only does this when he has too much to drink. I just shouldn't have yelled at him." Which of the following is the best response by the nurse? a. "How often does he drink too much?" b. "It is not your fault. You did the right thing by coming here." c. "How many times has he done this to you?" d. "He is not a good husband. You have to leave him before he kills you."

"It is not your fault. You did the right thing by coming here."

A woman comes to an emergency department with a broken nose and multiple bruises after being beaten by her husband. She states, "The beatings have been getting worse, and I'm afraid next time he will kill me." Which is the appropriate nursing response? 1. "Leopards don't change their spots, and neither will he." 2. "There are things you can do to prevent him from losing control." 3. "Let's talk about your options so that you don't have to go home." 4. "Why don't we call the police so that they can confront your husband with his behavior?"

"Let's talk about your options so that you don't have to go home." The most appropriate response by the nurse is to talk with the client about options so that the client does not have to return to the abusive environment. It is essential that clients make decisions on their own without the nurse being the "rescuer." 712-714

A client who is in a severely abusive relationship is admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. The client fears for her life. A staff nurse asks, "Why doesn't she just leave him?" Which is the nursing supervisor's most appropriate response? 1. "These clients don't know life any other way, and change is not an option until they have improved insight." 2. "These clients have limited cognitive skills and few vocational abilities to be able to make it on their own." 3. "These clients often have a lack of financial independence to support themselves and their children, and most have religious beliefs prohibiting divorce and separation." 4. "These clients are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness."

"These clients are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness." The nursing supervisor is accurate when stating that clients who are in abuse relationships are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness. Women often choose to stay with an abusive partner: for the children, for financial reasons, for fear of retaliation, for lack of a support network, for religious reasons, or because of hopefulness. 706

A client asks, "Why does a rapist use a weapon during the act of rape?" Which is the most appropriate nursing response? 1. "To decrease the victimizer's insecurity" 2. "To inflict physical harm with the weapon" 3. "To terrorize and subdue the victim" 4. "To mirror learned family behavior patterns related to weapons"

"To terrorize and subdue the victim" The nurse should explain that a rapist uses weapons to terrorize and subdue the victim. Rape is the expression of power and dominance by means of sexual violence. Rape can occur over a broad spectrum of experience, from violent attack to insistence on sexual intercourse by an acquaintance or spouse. 710

8. Kate is an 18-year-old freshman at the state university. She was extremely flattered when Don, a senior star football player, invited her to a party. On the way home, he parked the car in a secluded area by the lake. He became angry when she refused his sexual advances. He began to beat her and finally raped her. She tried to fight him, but his physical strength overpowered her. He dumped her in the dorm parking lot and left. The dorm supervisor rushed Kate to the emergency department. Kate says to the nurse, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have allowed him to stop at the lake." Which of the following is the nurse's best response? a. "Yes, you're right. You put yourself in a very vulnerable position when you allowed him to stop at the lake." b. "You are not to blame for his behavior. You obviously made some right decisions, because you survived the attack." c. "There's no sense looking back now. Just look forward, and make sure you don't put yourself in the same situation again." d. "You'll just have to see that he is arrested so he won't do this to anyone else."

"You are not to blame for his behavior. You obviously made some right decisions, because you survived the attack."

7. A school nurse notices bruises and scars on Jana's body. The nurse suspects that the child is being physically abused. How should the nurse proceed with this information? a. As a health-care worker, report the suspicion to the Department of Health and Human Services. b. Check Jana again in a week and see if there are any new bruises. c. Meet with Jana's parents and ask them how Jana got the bruises. d. Initiate paperwork to have Jana placed in foster care.

As a health-care worker, report the suspicion to the Department of Health and Human Services.

A survivor of rape presents in an emergency department crying, pacing, and cursing her attacker. A nurse should recognize these client actions as which behavioral defense? 1. Controlled response pattern 2. Compounded rape reaction 3. Expressed response pattern 4. Silent rape reaction

Expressed response pattern The nurse should recognize that this client is exhibiting an expressed response pattern. In the expressed response pattern, feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety are expressed through crying, sobbing, smiling, restlessness, and tension. 711

Which information should the nurse in an employee assistance program provide to an employee who exhibits symptoms of domestic physical abuse? 1. Have ready access to a gun and learn how to use it. 2. Research lawyers that can aid in divorce proceedings. 3. File charges of assault and battery. 4. Have ready access to the number of a safe house for battered women.

Have ready access to the number of a safe house for battered women. The nurse should provide information about the accessibility of safe houses for battered women when working with a client who has symptoms of domestic physical abuse. Many women feel powerless within the abusive relationship and may be staying in the abusive relationship out of fear. 712-714

10. A woman who was sexually assaulted 6 months ago by a man with whom she was acquainted has since been attending a support group for survivors of rape. From this group, she has learned that the most likely reason the man raped her was: a. Because he had been drinking, he was not in control of his actions. b. He had not had sexual relations with a girl in many months. c. He was predisposed to become a rapist by virtue of the poverty conditions under which he was reared. d. He was expressing power and dominance by means of sexual aggression and violence.

He was expressing power and dominance by means of sexual aggression and violence.

Order the description of the progressive phases of Walker's model of the "cycle of battering." ________ This phase is the most violent and the shortest, usually lasting up to 24 hours. ________ In this phase, the man's tolerance for frustration is declining. ________ In this phase, the batterer becomes extremely loving, kind, and contrite

In her classic studies of battered women and their relationships, Walker identified a cycle of predictable behaviors that are repeated over time. The behaviors can be divided into three distinct phases that vary in time and intensity both within the same relationship and among different couples. 1. Tension-building phase: In this phase, the man's tolerance for frustration is declining. 2. Acute-battering incident phase: This phase is the most violent and the shortest, usually lasting up to 24 hours. 3. Honeymoon phase: In this phase, the batterer becomes extremely loving, kind, and contrite. 705-706

In planning care for a woman who presents as a survivor of domestic abuse, a nurse should be aware of which of the following data? (Select all that apply.) 1. It often takes several attempts before a woman leaves an abusive situation. 2. Substance abuse is a common factor in abusive relationships. 3. Until children reach school age, they are usually not affected by abuse between their parents. 4. Women in abusive relationships usually feel isolated and unsupported. 5. Economic factors rarely play a role in the decision to stay.

It often takes several attempts before a woman leaves an abusive situation. Substance abuse is a common factor in abusive relationships. Women in abusive relationships usually feel isolated and unsupported. When planning care for a woman who is a survivor of domestic abuse, the nurse should be aware that it often takes several attempts before a woman leaves an abusive situation, substance abuse is a common factor in abusive relationships and women in abusive relationships usually feel isolated and unsupported. 704-706

5. Jana, age 5, is sent to the school nurse's office with an upset stomach. She has vomited and soiled her blouse. When the nurse removes her blouse, she notices that Jana has numerous bruises on her arms and torso, in various stages of healing. She also notices some small scars. Jana's abdomen protrudes on her small, thin frame. From the objective physical assessment, the nurse suspects that: a. Jana is experiencing physical and sexual abuse. b. Jana is experiencing physical abuse and neglect. c. Jana is experiencing emotional neglect. d. Jana is experiencing sexual and emotional abuse.

Jana is experiencing physical abuse and neglect.

Which of the following nursing diagnoses are typically appropriate for an adult survivor of incest? (Select all that apply.) 1. Low self-esteem 2. Powerlessness 3. Disturbed personal identity 4. Knowledge deficit 5. Nonadherence

Low self-esteem Powerlessness An adult survivor of incest would most likely have low self-esteem. An adult survivor of incest would most likely have a sense of powerlessness.

2. Sharon, a woman with multiple cuts and abrasions, arrives at the emergency department with her three small children. She tells the nurse her husband inflicted these wounds on her. In the interview, Sharon tells the nurse, "He's been getting more and more violent lately. He's been under a lot of stress at work the last few weeks, so he drinks a lot when he gets home. He always gets mean when he drinks. I was getting scared. So I just finally told him I was going to take the kids and leave. He got furious when I said that and began beating me with his fists." With knowledge about the cycle of battering, what does this situation represent? a. Phase I. Sharon was desperately trying to stay out of his way and keep everything calm. b. Phase I. A minor battering incident for which Sharon assumes all the blame. c. Phase II. The acute battering incident that Sharon provoked with her threat to leave. d. Phase III. The honeymoon phase when the husband believes that he has "taught her a lesson and she won't act up again."

Phase II. The acute battering incident that Sharon provoked with her threat to leave.

When questioned about bruises, a woman states, "It was an accident. My husband just had a bad day at work. He's being so gentle now and even brought me flowers. He's going to get a new job, so it won't happen again." This client is in which phase of the cycle of battering? 1. Phase I: The tension-building phase 2. Phase II: The acute battering incident phase 3. Phase III: The honeymoon phase 4. Phase IV: The resolution and reorganization phase

Phase III: The honeymoon phase The client is in the honeymoon phase of the cycle of battering. In this phase, the batterer becomes extremely loving, kind, and contrite. Promises are often made that the abuse will not happen again 705-706

A client diagnosed with an eating disorder experiences insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks that occur before bedtime. She has never married or dated, and she lives alone. She states to a nurse, "My father has recently moved back to town." What should the nurse suspect? 1. Possible major depressive disorder 2. Possible history of childhood incest 3. Possible histrionic personality disorder 4. Possible history of childhood physical abuse

Possible history of childhood incest The nurse should suspect that this client may have a history of childhood incest. Adult survivors of incest are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, somatization disorders, compulsive sexual behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders. 709

A nursing instructor is developing a lesson plan to teach about domestic violence. Which information should be included? 1. Power and control are central to the dynamic of domestic violence. 2. Poor communication and social isolation are central to the dynamic of domestic violence. 3. Erratic relationships and vulnerability are central to the dynamic of domestic violence. 4. Emotional injury and learned helplessness are central to the dynamic of domestic violence.

Power and control are central to the dynamic of domestic violence. The nursing instructor should include the concept that power and control are central to the dynamic of domestic violence. Battering is defined as a pattern of coercive control founded on physical and/or sexual violence or threat of violence. The typical abuser is very possessive and perceives the victim as a possession. 704-706

9. A young woman who has just undergone a sexual assault is brought into the emergency department by a friend. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention? a. Help her to bathe and clean herself up. b. Provide physical and emotional support during evidence collection. c. Provide her with a written list of community resources for survivors of rape. d. Discuss the importance of a follow-up visit to evaluate for sexually transmitted diseases.

Provide physical and emotional support during evidence collection.

A client is brought to an emergency department after being violently raped. Which nursing action is appropriate? 1. Discourage the client from discussing the rape, because this may lead to further emotional trauma. 2. Remain nonjudgmental while actively listening to the client's description of the violent rape event. 3. Meet the client's self-care needs by assisting with showering and perineal care. 4. Probe for further, detailed description of the rape event.

Remain nonjudgmental while actively listening to the client's description of the violent rape event. The most appropriate nursing action is to remain nonjudgmental and actively listen to the client's description of the event. It is important to also communicate to the victim that he/she is safe and that it is not his/her fault. Nonjudgmental listening provides an avenue for catharsis, which contributes to the healing process. 712-714

3. A battered woman presents to the emergency department with multiple cuts and abrasions. Her right eye is swollen shut. She says that her husband did this to her. Which of the following is the priority nursing intervention? a. Tending to the immediate care of her wounds. b. Providing her with information about a safe place to stay. c. Administering the prn tranquilizer ordered by the physician. d. Explaining how she may go about bringing charges against her husband.

Tending to the immediate care of her wounds.

Which assessment data should a school nurse recognize as a sign of physical neglect? 1. The child is often absent from school and seems apathetic and tired. 2. The child is very insecure and has poor self-esteem. 3. The child has multiple bruises on various body parts. 4. The child has sophisticated knowledge of sexual behaviors.

The child is often absent from school and seems apathetic and tired. The nurse should recognize that a child who is often absent from school and seems apathetic and tired may be a victim of neglect. Other indicators of neglect are stealing food or money, lacking medical or dental care, being consistently dirty, lacking sufficient clothing, or stating that there is no one home to provide care. 706-707

A kindergarten student is frequently violent toward other children. A school nurse notices bruises and burns on the child's face and arms. What other symptom should indicate to the nurse that the child may have been physically abused? 1. The child shrinks at the approach of adults. 2. The child begs or steals food or money. 3. The child is frequently absent from school. 4. The child is delayed in physical and emotional development.

The child shrinks at the approach of adults. The nurse should determine that a child who shrinks at the approach of adults in addition to having bruises and burns may be a victim of abuse. Maltreatment is considered, whether or not the adult intended to harm the child. 706-707

A raped client answers a nurse's questions in a monotone voice with single words, appears calm, and exhibits a blunt affect. How should the nurse interpret this client's responses? 1. The client may be lying about the incident. 2. The client may be experiencing a silent rape reaction. 3. The client may be demonstrating a controlled response pattern. 4. The client may be having a compounded rape reaction.

The client may be demonstrating a controlled response pattern. This client is most likely demonstrating a controlled response pattern. In the controlled response pattern, the client's feelings are masked or hidden, and a calm, composed, or subdued affect is seen. In the expressed response pattern, feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety are expressed through crying sobbing, smiling, restlessness, and tension. 711

A woman presents with a history of physical and emotional abuse in her intimate relationships. What should this information lead a nurse to suspect? 1. The woman may be exhibiting a controlled response pattern. 2. The woman may have a history of childhood neglect. 3. The woman may be exhibiting codependent characteristics. 4. The woman may be a victim of incest.

The woman may be a victim of incest. The nurse should suspect that this client may be a victim of incest. Many women who are battered have low self-esteem and have feelings of guilt, anger, fear, and shame. Women in abusive relationships often grew up in an abusive home. 708-709

6. A school nurse notices bruises and scars on a child's body, but the child refuses to say how she received them. What is another way in which the nurse can get information from the child? a. Have her evaluated by the school psychologist. b. Tell her she may select a "treat" from the treat box (e.g., sucker, balloon, junk jewelry) if she answers the nurse's questions. c. Explain to her that if she answers the questions, she may stay in the nurse's office and not have to go back to class. d. Use a "family" of dolls to role-play the child's family with her.

Use a "family" of dolls to role-play the child's family with her.

A pattern of coercive control founded on and supported by physical and/or sexual violence or threat of violence of an intimate partner is termed ______________________.

battering 704

Physical ________________ of a child includes refusal of or delay in seeking health care, abandonment, expulsion from the home or refusal to allow a runaway to return home, and inadequate supervision.

neglect 707