A victim of a violent rape perpetrated by a stranger has been in ...

[luvbio]

A victim of a violent rape perpetrated by a stranger has been in the emergency department for 3
  hours. The collection of evidence is completed and the sexual assault nurse examiner reenters the
  room to begin discharge counseling.
 
  The client says softly I will never be the same again. I will
  never be able to face my friends. There is no sense of trying to go on.. The most astute response by
  the nurse would be
  a. Are you thinking of committing suicide?
  b. It will take time, but you will feel the same..
  c. Your friends will understand when you tell them..
  d. You will be able to find meaning in this experience as time goes on..

Question 2

The highest degree of credibility is required by a nurse who provides testimony before the court as
  a(n)
 
  a. expert witness.
  b. fact witness.
  c. correctional nurse.
  d. emergency department trauma nurse.

[popopong]

Answer to Question 1

A
The client's words suggest hopelessness. Whenever hopelessness is present, so is suicide risk. The
nurse should directly address the possibility of suicidal ideation with the client. The other options
attempt to offer reassurance before making an assessment.

Answer to Question 2

A
An expert witness is recognized by the court as having a higher level of skill or expertise in a
specific area. In addition to testifying about involvement with the individual and documentation of
the interactions, the court permits the expert witness to give a professional opinion. Option B: A fact
witness may testify only regarding what was seen, heard, performed, or documented regarding
first-hand nursing care. Option C: A correctional nurse would testify as a fact witness. Option D: An
emergency department trauma nurse would testify as a fact witness.