Deck 36: Victims of Abuse or Neglect

Question 1

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?

A)Phase I: The tension-building phase
B)Phase II: The acute battering incident phase
C)Phase III: The honeymoon phase
D)Phase IV: The resolution and reorganization phase

Answer 1

Phase III: The honeymoon phase

Question 2

An anorexic client states to a nurse, "My father has recently moved back to town." Since that time the client has experienced insomnia, nightmares, and panic attacks that occur nightly. She has never married or dated and lives alone. What should the nurse suspect?

A)Possible major depressive disorder
B)Possible history of childhood incest
C)Possible histrionic personality disorder
D)Possible history of childhood physical abuse

Answer 2

Possible history of childhood incest

Question 3

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 reply?

A)"These clients don't know life any other way, and change is not an option until they have improved insight."
B)"These clients have limited KEY: Cognitive skills and few vocational abilities to be able to make it on their own."
C)"These clients often have a lack of financial independence to support themselves and their children, and most have religious beliefs prohibiting divorce and separation."
D)"These clients are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness."

Answer 3

"These clients are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness."

Question 4

A client who has been raped is crying, pacing, and cursing her attacker in an emergency department. Which behavioral defense should a nurse recognize?

A)Controlled response pattern
B)Compounded rape reaction
C)Expressed response pattern
D)Silent rape reaction

Question 5

When planning care for women in abusive relationships, which of the following information is important for the nurse to consider? (Select all that apply.)

A)It often takes several attempts before a woman leaves an abusive situation.
B)Substance abuse is a common factor in abusive relationships.
C)Until children reach school age, they are usually not affected by parental discord.
D)Women in abusive relationships usually feel isolated and unsupported.
E)Economic factors rarely play a role in the decision to stay in abusive relationships.

Question 6

In the emergency department, a raped client appears calm and exhibits a blunt affect. The client answers a nurse's questions in a monotone using single words. How should the nurse interpret this client's responses?

A)The client may be lying about the incident.
B)The client may be experiencing a silent rape reaction.
C)The client may be demonstrating a controlled response pattern.
D)The client may be having a compounded rape reaction.

Question 7

A woman describes a history of physical and emotional abuse in intimate relationships. Which additional factor should a nurse suspect?

A)The woman may be exhibiting a controlled response pattern.
B)The woman may have a history of childhood neglect.
C)The woman may be exhibiting codependent characteristics.
D)The woman might be a victim of incest.

Question 8

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 that next time he might kill me." Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

A)"Leopards don't change their spots, and neither will he."
B)"There are things you can do to prevent him from losing control."
C)"Let's talk about your options so that you don't have to go home."
D)"Why don't we call the police so that they can confront your husband with his behavior?"

Question 9

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?

A)"I know that it was not my fault."
B)"My boyfriend has trouble controlling his sexual urges."
C)"If I don't put myself in a dating situation, I won't be at risk."
D)"Next time I will think twice about wearing a sexy dress."

Question 10

Which statement made by an emergency department nurse indicates accurate knowledge of domestic violence?

A)"Power and control are central to the dynamic of domestic violence."
B)"Poor communication and social isolation are central to the dynamic of domestic violence."
C)"Erratic relationships and vulnerability are central to the dynamic of domestic violence."
D)"Emotional injury and learned helplessness are central to the dynamic of domestic violence."

Question 11

Which of the following nursing diagnoses could be appropriate for an adult survivor of incest? (Select all that apply.)

A)Low self-esteem
B)Powerlessness
C)Disturbed personal identity
D)Knowledge deficit
E)Noncompliance

Question 12

A nursing student asks an emergency department nurse, "Why does a rapist use a weapon during the act of rape?" Which nursing reply is most accurate?

A)"A weapon is used to increase the victimizer's security."
B)"A weapon is used to inflict physical harm."
C)"A weapon is used to terrorize and subdue the victim."
D)"A weapon is used to mirror learned family behavior patterns."

Question 13

Which teaching should the nurse in an employee assistance program provide to an employee who exhibits symptoms of domestic physical abuse?

A)Have ready access to a gun and learn how to use it
B)Research lawyers who can aid in divorce proceedings
C)File charges of assault and battery
D)Have ready access to the number of a safe house for battered women

Question 14

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 might have been physically abused?

A)The child shrinks at the approach of adults.
B)The child begs or steals food or money.
C)The child is frequently absent from school.
D)The child is delayed in physical and emotional development.

Question 15

Which assessment data should a school nurse recognize as signs of physical neglect?

A)The child is often absent from school and seems apathetic and tired.
B)The child is very insecure and has poor self-esteem.
C)The child has multiple bruises on various body parts.
D)The child has sophisticated knowledge of sexual behaviors.

Question 16

A client is brought to an emergency department after being violently raped. Which nursing action is appropriate?

A)Discourage the client from discussing the event as this may lead to further emotional trauma.
B)Remain nonjudgmental and actively listen to the client's description of the event.
C)Meet the client's self-care needs by assisting with showering and perineal care.
D)Provide cues, based on police information, to encourage further description of the event.