The nurse is caring for a patient who is a victim of interpersonal violence (IPV). What is the nurse's first priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. A victim of intimate partner violence should have a safety plan. This is the highest priority because the patient's physical and/or mental health is in danger. The nurse should not assume that the patient will be able to control the partner, and suggesting that the patient tell the abusive partner to see a therapist could escalate the abuse. Encouraging a patient to take charge is a very general suggestion. The patient needs specific tools to develop a safety plan. It may not be safe or feasible for the patient to leave home right away, and resources should not be withheld if a patient is unable to promise to leave home.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is a Victim