Deck 24: Interpersonal Violence: Child, Older Adult, and Intimate Partner Abuse

Question 1

An 11-year-old says, "My parents don't like me. They call me stupid and say they wish I was never born. It doesn't matter what they think because I already know I'm dumb." Which nursing diagnosis applies to this child?

A) Chronic low self-esteem related to negative feedback from parents
B) Deficient knowledge related to interpersonal skills with parents
C) Disturbed personal identity related to negative self-evaluation
D) Complicated grieving related to poor academic performance

Answer 1

Chronic low self-esteem related to negative feedback from parents

Question 2

A young adult has recently had multiple absences from work. After each absence, this adult returned to work wearing dark glasses and a long-sleeved shirt. During an interview with the occupational health nurse, this adult says, "My partner beat me, but it was because I did not do the laundry." What is the nurse's next action?

A) Call the police.
B) Arrange for hospitalization.
C) Call the relevant social services agency.
D) Document injuries with a body map.

Answer 2

Document injuries with a body map.

Question 3

Which comment by the nurse would best support relationship building with a survivor of intimate partner abuse?

A) "You are feeling violated because you thought you could trust your partner."
B) "I'm here for you. I want you to tell me about the bad things that happened to you."
C) "I was very worried about you. I knew you were living in a potentially violent situation."
D) "Abusers often target people who are passive. I will refer you to an assertiveness class."

Answer 3

"You are feeling violated because you thought you could trust your partner."

Question 4

A patient tells the nurse, "My husband lost his job. He's abusive only when he drinks too much. His family was like that when he was growing up. He always apologizes and regrets hurting me." What risk factor was most predictive for the husband to become abusive?

A) History of family violence
B) Loss of employment
C) Abuse of alcohol
D) Poverty

Question 5

An older woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease lives with family and attends day care. After observing poor hygiene, the nurse talked with the caregiver. This caregiver became defensive and said, "It takes all my energy to care for my mother. She's awake all night. I never get any sleep." Which nursing intervention has priority?

A) Teach the caregiver about the effects of sundown syndrome.
B) Secure additional resources for the mother's evening and night care.
C) Support the caregiver to grieve the loss of the mother's cognitive abilities.
D) Teach the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently.

Question 6

The parents of a 15-year-old seek to have this teen declared a delinquent because of excessive drinking, habitually running away, and prostitution. The nurse interviewing the teen should recognize that these behaviours often occur in which of the following adolescents?

A) Adolescents who have been abused
B) Adolescents who are attention-seeking
C) Adolescents who have eating disorders
D) Adolescents who are developmentally delayed

Question 7

An adult has a history of physical violence against family when frustrated, followed by periods of remorse after each outburst. Which finding indicates a successful plan of care?

A) The adult expresses frustration verbally instead of physically.
B) The adult explains the rationale for behaviours to the victim.
C) The adult identifies three personal strengths.
D) The adult agrees to seek counselling.

Question 8

An 11-year-old reluctantly tells the nurse, "My parents don't like me. They said they wish I was never born." Which type of violence is likely?

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

Question 9

Which rationale best explains why a nurse should be aware of personal feelings while working with a family experiencing family violence?

A) Self-awareness enhances the nurse's advocacy role.
B) Strong negative feelings interfere with assessment and judgement.
C) Strong positive feelings lead to healthy transference with the victim.
D) Positive feelings promote the development of sympathy for patients.

Question 10

What feelings are most commonly experienced by nurses working with abusive families?

A) Outrage toward the victim and discouragement regarding the abuser
B) Helplessness regarding the victim and anger toward the abuser
C) Unconcern for the victim and dislike for the abuser
D) Vulnerability for self and empathy with the abuser

Question 11

Several children are seen in the emergency department for treatment of various illnesses and injuries. Which assessment finding would create the most suspicion for child abuse?

A) The child with complaints of abdominal pain
B) The child who has repeated middle ear infections
C) The child with bruises on extremities
D) The child with diarrhea

Question 12

An adult tells the nurse, "My partner abuses me when I make mistakes, but I always get an apology and a gift afterward. I've considered leaving but haven't been able to bring myself to actually do it." Which phase in the cycle of violence prevents this adult from leaving?

A) Tension-building
B) Acute battering
C) Honeymoon
D) Stabilization

Question 13

What is a nurse's legal responsibility if child abuse or neglect is suspected?

A) Discuss the findings with the child's parent and health care provider.
B) Document the observation and suspicion in the medical record.
C) Report the suspicion according to provincial or territorial regulations.
D) Continue the assessment.

Question 14

An older adult with Lewy body dementia lives with family and attends a day care centre. A nurse there noticed the adult had a disheveled appearance, strong odour of urine, and bruises on the limbs and back. What type of violence might be occurring?

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

Question 15

An older adult with Alzheimer's disease lives with family in a rural area. During the week, the person attends a day care centre while the family is at work. In the evenings, members of the family provide care. Which factor makes this patient most vulnerable to abuse?

A) Multiple caregivers
B) Alzheimer's disease
C) Living in a rural area
D) Being part of a busy family

Question 16

An older adult with Lewy body dementia lives with family. After observing multiple bruises, the home health nurse talked with the daughter, who became defensive and said, "My mother often wanders at night. Last night she fell down the stairs." Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

A) Risk for injury related to poor judgement, cognitive impairments, and inadequate supervision
B) Wandering related to confusion and disorientation as evidenced by sleepwalking and falls
C) Chronic confusion related to degenerative changes in brain tissue as evidenced by nighttime wandering
D) Insomnia related to sleep disruptions associated with cognitive impairment as evidenced by wandering at night

Question 17

After treatment for a detached retina, a survivor of intimate partner abuse says, "My partner only abuses me when I make mistakes. I've considered leaving, but I was brought up to believe you stay together, no matter what happens." Which diagnosis should be the focus of the nurse's initial actions?

A) Risk for injury related to physical abuse from partner
B) Social isolation related to lack of a community support system
C) Ineffective coping related to uneven distribution of power within a relationship
D) Deficient knowledge related to resources for escape from an abusive relationship

Question 18

A survivor of physical spousal abuse was treated in the emergency department for a broken wrist. This patient said, "I've considered leaving, but I made a vow and I must keep it no matter what happens." Which outcome should be met before discharge?

A) Staff will lay charges against the abuser with police.
B) The patient will name two community resources for help.
C) The patient will demonstrate insight into the abusive relationship.
D) The patient will re-examine cultural beliefs about marital commitment.

Question 19

An adult has recently been absent from work for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, the individual returned wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises were apparent. What is the occupational health nurse's priority assessment?

A) Interpersonal relationships
B) Work responsibilities
C) Socialization skills
D) Physical injuries

Question 20

Which referral will be most helpful for a woman who was severely beaten by her intimate partner, has no relatives or friends in the community, is afraid to return home, and has limited financial resources?

A) A support group
B) A mental health centre
C) A women's shelter
D) Vocational counselling

Question 21

A 10-year-old cares for siblings while the parents work because the family cannot afford a babysitter. This child says, "My father doesn't like me. He calls me stupid all the time." The mother says the father is easily frustrated and has trouble disciplining the children. The community health nurse should consider which resources as priorities to stabilize the home situation?

A) Parental sessions to teach childrearing practices
B) Anger management counselling for the father
C) Continuing home visits to give support
D) A safety plan for the wife and children
E) Placing the children in foster care

Question 22

A community health nurse visits a family with four children. The father behaves angrily, finds fault with the oldest child, and asks twice, "Why are you such a stupid kid?" The wife says, "I have difficulty disciplining the children. It's so frustrating." Which comments by the nurse will facilitate an interview with these parents?

A) "Tell me how you discipline your children."
B) "How do you stop your baby from crying?"
C) "Caring for four small children must be difficult."
D) "Do you or your husband ever spank your children?"
E) "Calling children 'stupid' injures their self-esteem."