A patient has been physically abused by her boyfriend frequently ...

[Pineapplelove6]

A patient has been physically abused by her boyfriend frequently since moving in togeth-er. During her last discussion with the nurse, the patient stated, I probably should not keep going back to him, because he continues to abuse me.
 
  The nurse is aware that the final decision to leave a batterer is:
  a. Usually a gradual process that occurs over time
  b. Likely to occur after the victim suffers a serious injury
  c. More likely if the patient has approval from her family
  d. Made when the batterer gives her permission to do so

Question 2

A patient has been chronically battered by her husband since they were married. Until now she had avoided dealing with her situation, but she now expresses a desire to deal with the problem since the attacks are occurring more frequently.
 
  Which outcome is realistic for the patient?
  a. Setting a goal date for divorcing her husband
  b. Verbalizing an awareness of her increasingly dangerous situation
  c. Citing possible ways she may have contributed to the abusive episodes
  d. Employing methods of retaliating in order to gain experience being assertive

[lucas dlamini]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The victim usually moves slowly when making the decision to leave the batterer because of many self-imposed constraints and many environmental factors that must be considered. It is unlikely that a batterer will give permission for the victim to leave. The remaining options are not supported by current research.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Because the abuse has been long-term and is increasing in intensity, the patient needs to state her awareness of being in danger. When the patient accepts this fact, she may be increasingly ready to make further plans to extricate herself. The victim is not at fault for abuse. Setting a divorce date is not practical because she has not begun to pursue litigation. Retaliation is not an effective means of resolving the problem.