Rape/Trauma Flashcards
What is the definition of rape?
Nonconsensual activity involving penetration of vagina, anus, or oral cavity
Psychological emergency that requires immediate attention
Why are precise estimates of sexual violence impossible to determine?
The crimes are greatly underreported
What is the epidemiology of female rape victims?
More than 1⁄2 of all female victims were raped by an intimate partner
What is common in women who have been sexually assaulted by intimate partner or family?
Sexual distress
What is common for those assaulted by strangers?
Fear and anxiety
Explain acute stress disorder with rape/trauma?
Vivid dreams, flashbacks, avoidance of stimuli that provides recall of traumatic event Begins immediately and lasts for 3 days to a month
Explain post-traumatic stress disorder with rape/trauma?
When acute stress disorder lasts beyond a month
What are the different responses to rape/trauma that a nurse would expect to see?
Expressed response pattern; victim verbally expressed feelings about assault Controlled response pattern; victim hides their feelings and are very subdued Compounded rape reaction; depression and possible suicide
Silent rape reaction; patient tells no one about incident
What long term effects are common after rape/trauma?
Depression, anxiety, impaired daily functioning, low self-esteem, & sexual dysfunction
What are the immediate treatment needs for a victim of rape/trauma?
Treat shock and urgent medical problems
Assess emotional state & call sexual assault nurse examiner Obtain forensic evidence per protocol
Maintain chain of evidence for all specimens
STI screening, method of contraception, and LMP
When should the patient be cleaned?
Only after all the evidence needed has been collected
What would be a positive cognitive response by a victim of rape?
“At least I am alive and will get to see my children again.”
What would be a negative cognitive response by a victim of rape?
“It’s my fault this happened; my mother warned me about working in such a trashy place.”
What is the most effective approach for counseling in the emergency department for a victim?
Confidentiality, nonjudgmental care, & optimal emotional support
What immunizations are needed following a sexual assault?
Tetanus prophylaxis and Hepatitis B
