Deck 26: Assessing Abuse

Question 1

The nurse is conducting a health history interview for a pediatric patient who presents with symptoms of psychological abuse. Which question is appropriate for the nurse to ask the parent during this process?

A) "Have you ever walked in on your child masturbating?"
B) "Does your child dress provocatively?"
C) "Has your child ever run away from home?"
D) "What form of discipline works best with your child?"

Answer 1

"What form of discipline works best with your child?"

Question 2

The school-age patient states to the nurse, "My dad punishes me by hitting me with a belt. I told him I was sorry but it didn't matter." Which assessment finding supports the patient's version of events?

A) A bruise that forms an outline of a hand.
B) A linear bruise.
C) A retinal hemorrhage.
D) A small burn on the arm.

Answer 2

A linear bruise.

Question 3

The nurse suspects Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) when providing care to a preschool-age patient. Which assessment finding caused the nurse to come to this conclusion?

A) The patient responds to typical treatment regimens.
B) The patient exhibits signs and symptoms of illness only when the mother is present.
C) The patient cries when the mother leaves the room.
D) The parent is not knowledgeable regarding medical treatments.

Answer 3

The patient exhibits signs and symptoms of illness only when the mother is present.

Question 4

The nurse is assessing a preschool-age patient for suspected sexual abuse. Which question from the nurse is appropriate?

A) "Has your child's appetite changed?"
B) "Has your child started wetting the bed again?"
C) "Has you child been experiencing stress?"
D) "Does your child have a history of developmental delays?"

Question 5

The emergency department (ED) nurse assesses a baby who presents with a retinal hemorrhage. The mother states, "She just wouldn't stop crying." Which does the nurse suspect based on this data?

A) Shaken baby syndrome
B) Munchausen syndrome by proxy
C) Neglect
D) Emotional abuse

Question 6

The nurse is assessing a toddler-age patient. Which question is appropriate for the nurse to ask the toddler's caregiver to assess for sexual abuse?

A) "How many times per day do you change your child's diaper?"
B) "How many bowel movements does your child have per week?"
C) "Have you noticed any vaginal discharge during diaper changes?"
D) "Has your child experienced low-grade fevers?"

Question 7

At which age is it appropriate for the nurse to directly question a child with suspicions of sexual abuse?

A) 12 months
B) 18 months
C) 24 months
D) 30 months

Question 8

The nurse is conducting a family counseling session. Which comment made by a parent might indicate psychological abuse?

A) "I just don't know how to help you anymore."
B) "I am having trouble trusting you because you continually lie."
C) "I don't understand why you are so dumb."
D) "I just wish I was able to understand why you are acting this way."

Question 9

The nurse is assessing a child with a distended abdomen. Based on this data, which does the nurse suspect?

A) Obesity
B) Malnutrition
C) Appendicitis
D) Lymphoma

Question 10

The nurse is assessing a preschool-age patient who states, "My babysitter touches me in my private parts." Based on this data which type of abuse is the patient experiencing?

A) Physical
B) Neglect
C) Emotional
D) Sexual

Question 11

The school nurse is assessing a school-age child who states, "My parents are always in their bedroom smoking pot. I have to make sure that my younger sister gets up and goes to school in the morning." Which type of abuse is the child experiencing based on this data?

A) Physical
B) Neglect
C) Sexual
D) Psychological

Question 12

Which assessment finding would suggest to the nurse that the school-age patient is experiencing psychological abuse?

A) Dressing provocatively
B) Complaining of genital itching
C) Exhibiting poor social skills
D) Earning honor roll at school

Question 13

The nurse receives a phone call on the 24-hour help line. The caller states, "My ex-boyfriend is spray painting my car." The nurse contacts the police and indicates which type of abuse is occurring?

A) Physical
B) Sexual
C) Emotional
D) Property

Question 14

The nurse is providing care to a pediatric patient who exhibits symptoms of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP). Which type of child abuse is the patient experiencing?

A) Physical abuse
B) Emotional abuse
C) Sexual abuse
D) Psychological abuse

Question 15

The nurse is conducting a home health visit for an older adult patient. The nurse assesses symptoms of neglect. Which type of abuse is the patient experiencing based on this data?

A) Physical
B) Sexual
C) Psychological
D) Emotional

Question 16

The nurse is providing care to an infant who is diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT). In the absence of any physiological reasons for the assessment data which does the nurse suspect?

A) Physical neglect
B) Emotional neglect
C) Psychological neglect
D) Nutritional neglect

Question 17

The nurse is providing care for a child in the emergency department (ED). The nurse suspects the child was physically abused. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

A) Obtaining statements from the parents in separate rooms
B) Leaving the child in the examination room alone with the parents
C) Asking the child why he or she is lying
D) Speaking to the parents with a raised tone

Question 18

The nurse assesses a patient in the emergency department who reports being raped. Which type of abuse did the patient experience?

A) Physical
B) Sexual
C) Psychological
D) Emotional

Question 19

The nurse is conducting a physical assessment for a child who presents with burns to the lower extremities. The parent states, "I didn't realize the water was so hot." Which item found in the child's health history causes the nurse to consider physical abuse?

A) The child who states, "My mommy lifted me out of the tub as soon as I cried."
B) Appropriate height and weight for age.
C) Several emergency department visits to treat cuts, bruises, and fractures.
D) Laboratory reports suggest diabetes mellitus.

Question 20

The nurse assesses a patient who reports that the spouse, "puts me down all the time and tells me that I cannot do anything right." Which type abuse does the nurse suspect?

A) Physical
B) Sexual
C) Emotional
D) Property

Question 21

Which actions are associated with physical abuse? Select all that apply.

A) Slapping
B) Degrading
C) Hitting
D) Belittling
E) Biting

Question 22

Which behavior exhibited by a female patient during a physical exam would cause the nurse to suspect domestic abuse?

A) Being talkative
B) Avoiding eye contact
C) Asking for a blanket
D) Requesting a pregnancy test

Question 23

Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to suspect that an older adult patient is being sexually abused?

A) Whiplash injuries
B) Subconjunctival hemorrhage
C) Anxiety and depression
D) Oral ecchymosis

Question 24

Which actions are associated with psychological abuse? Select all that apply.

A) Slapping
B) Degrading
C) Hitting
D) Belittling
E) Biting

Question 25

Which are assessment findings that support a diagnosis of sexual abuse for a pediatric patient? Select all that apply.

A) Bruises
B) Anal penetration
C) Fractures
D) Genital fondling
E) Intentional burns

Question 26

The nurse educator is teaching a group of students about domestic violence. Which statement is appropriate for the educator to include in the teaching session?

A) "Twenty-five percent of homeless women and children have been victims of abuse."
B) "Abuse does not occur in same-sex relationships."
C) "The only form of domestic violence is physical abuse."
D) "Emotional abuse is difficult to assess because the effects are not always visible."

Question 27

The nurse is conducting a physical assessment for an older adult patient. Which finding would cause the nurse to suspect the patient is being restrained?

A) Cigarette burns on the palms of the hands
B) Hyphema
C) Poor sphincter tone
D) Wrist and ankle bruising

Question 28

Which genitourinary symptoms for a pediatric patient would cause the nurse to suspect sexual abuse? Select all that apply.

A) Reporting burning upon urination
B) Experiencing itching of the pubic area
C) Running away from home
D) Masturbating
E) Experiencing vaginal discharge

Question 29

Which are essential characteristics when documenting in the medical record for cases of suspected abuse? Select all that apply.

A) Clear
B) Subjective
C) Specific
D) Thorough
E) Abbreviated

Question 30

The nurse is conducting a health history assessment for an older adult patient. Which patient statement would cause the nurse to suspect abuse?

A) "I feel very safe in my children's home. They take good care of me."
B) "I have been experiencing dizzy spells. My son is afraid that I will fall."
C) "I see a new doctor every couple of months. My daughter always wants me to switch."
D) "My son puts all my medications for the day in a divider. He wants to be sure that I don't take too many."

Question 31

Which actions are associated with sexual abuse? Select all that apply.

A) Degrading remarks
B) Rape
C) Biting
D) Hitting
E) Slapping

Question 32

The nurse is assessing an older adult patient who presents with a sprained ankle. Which finding would cause the nurse to suspect abuse?

A) The patient states, "I tripped on a throw rug in the living room."
B) The patient waited 3 days until seeking treatment.
C) The patient's caregiver states, "My mom has never fallen before. Is she ok?"
D) The patient asks that her son be present for the exam.

Question 33

Which action by an abuser in a relationship with domestic violence is intended to gain power or control over the victim?

A) Suggesting that the victim spend more time with family and friends
B) Controlling or limiting finances available to the victim
C) Buying lavish gifts as an apology to the victim
D) Telling the victim that it will never happen again

Question 34

Which are assessment findings that support a diagnosis of physical abuse for a pediatric patient? Select all that apply.

A) Bruises
B) Anal penetration
C) Fractures
D) Genital fondling
E) Intentional burns

Question 35

The nurse is conducting an assessment for an older adult patient in the home. Which finding would cause the nurse to suspect neglect?

A) Oral ecchymosis
B) Matted hair
C) Cigarette burns on the soles of the feet
D) Abdominal bruising

Question 36

Which is a common characteristic of those who commit domestic violence?

A) Self-assurance
B) Financial independence
C) Emotional dependence
D) Self-starter

Question 37

Which assessment finding would cause the nurse to suspect that an older adult patient is the victim of financial abuse?

A) Weight loss
B) Dehydration
C) Disconnected utilities
D) Disappearance of personal belongings