Abuse

Question 1

What family dynamics are often seen in child abuse cases?

Answer 1

• Parent sees child as “different” from other children
• Parent uses child to meet his or her own needs
• Parent seldom touches or responds to child
• Parent may be very critical of child
• There is a family history of frequent moves, unstable employment, marital discord, and family violence
• One parent answers all the questions

Question 2

What behavior might the nurse observe in a child who is abused?

Answer 2

Child may appear frightened and withdrawn in the presence of parent or adult

Question 3

Identify nursing interventions for dealing with an abused child

Answer 3

• All cases of suspected abuse must be reported to appropriate local and state agencies
• Take color photographs of injuries
• Document factual, objective statements of the child’s physical condition, child-family interactions, and interviews with family
• Establish trust, and care for the child’s physical problems
• These are the primary and immediate needs of these children
• Recognize own feelings of disgust and contempt for the parents
• Teach basic child development and parenting skills to family

Question 4

When does battering of women often begin or escalate?

Answer 4

During pregnancy

Question 5

What dynamics prevent a battered spouse from leaving the battering situation?

Answer 5

A women in a battering relationship may lack self-confidence and feel trapped. She is often embarrassed to tell friends and family, so she becomes isolated and dependent upon the abuser

Question 6

Why is elder abuse so underreported?

Answer 6

It is difficult for an older person to admit abuse for fear of being placed in a nursing home or being abandoned

Question 7

What types of abuse are seen in older adults?

Answer 7

Abuse can be physical, verbal, psychosocial, exploitive, or physical neglect

Question 8

Identify nursing interventions for working with a rape survivor

Answer 8

• Communicate nonjudgmental acceptance
• Provide physical care to treat injuries
• Give clear, concise explanations of all procedures to be performed
• Notify police; encourage victim to prosecute
• Collect and label evidence carefully in the presence of a witness
• Document factual, objective statements about physical condition
• Record client’s exact words in describing the assault
• Notify rape crisis team or counselor if available in the community
• Allow discussion of feelings about the assault
• Advice of potential for venereal disease, HIV, or pregnancy, and describe medical care available