The nurse is working in a community clinic when a man and woman bring a 12 year-old boy in,stating that the child fell down a flight of stairs and hurt his arm.The nurse notices several other bruises on the child's body at varying stages of healing.The boy is placed on the stretcher.When asked how he hurt himself,he states that he does not remember.However,the nurse notices that the boy continuously avoids looking at the man,while the man stares at him constantly.The nurse should
A) Ask the boy if the man hurt him.
B) Confront the man directly.
C) Ask the man and woman to step out.
D) Ask the woman if the man hurt the boy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ask the man and woman to step out.When dealing with patients at risk for or who have suffered abuse,it is important to provide protection and to interview the patient at a time when he or she has privacy,and the individual suspected of being the abuser is not present.The boy may be less likely to be forthcoming with his attacker in the room.Confronting the man directly may lead to violence.The woman may also be a victim of abuse and may fear retribution if she discusses their problems with health care providers.

The Nurse Is Working in a Community Clinic When a Man