Author Question: The patient with limited English language skills has a black eye, and bruises across her face and ... (Read 39 times)

karateprodigy · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

The patient with limited English language skills has a black eye, and bruises across her face and arms.

The patient's husband has been acting as an interpreter for her, and answers all of the questions the nurse asks, often without talking to his wife first. The nurse suspects the patient has been a victim of domestic abuse. What should the nurse do next? 1. Ask the husband whether he has beaten his wife.
2. Ask the husband to have a female friend come in with his wife.
3. Provide written materials in English for the patient to read at home.
4. Ask the husband to step out of the room, and obtain a professional interpreter.

Question 2

A home health nurse is making a home visit to a new mother who is diabetic and requires some follow-up to make sure her baby is doing well and that her diabetes is in control while she is breastfeeding.

The client meets her at the door, crying, with bruises on her face and legs. The nurse knows the client has been in a questionable relationship. What is the first responsibility of the nurse for this client at this time? 1. Assist in getting the client and her baby to a safe situation.
2. Check her blood sugar and make sure it is within normal limits.
3. Ask her how she is doing with the breastfeeding.
4. Check the baby's heart rate and other vital signs.

joshraies · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale 1: Asking the abuser whether he has abused his spouse is useless, as most abusers see their behavior as appropriate.
Rationale 2: Asking the husband to have a female friend come with his wife is not the best action for the nurse to take next.
Rationale 3: Written proficiency develops after verbal fluency; therefore, written materials in English are inappropriate for this patient.
Rationale 4: A professional medical interpreter, preferably of the same gender as the patient, will provide the most accurate translation of the nurse's words as well as the patient's.

Answer to Question 2

1
Explanation: 1. Providing the abused woman with information that empowers her in decision making and providing critical assistance in safety planning for her and her baby is the nurse's first responsibility.