During the nurse's assessment of a new patient on a medical unit, ...

[burchfield96]

During the nurse's assessment of a new patient on a medical unit, the patient confides in the nurse that her husband often slaps me around after he has been drinking. What action should the nurse take in response to this statement?
 
  A) Ask the patient to write down descriptions of these instances and make these documents part of the patient's medical record.
  B) Discuss with the patient the possible triggers that set off her husband's behavior.
  C) Report the patient's statement promptly to the appropriate authorities.
  D) Elicit further detail from the patient to determine the validity of her accusation.

Question 2

After a series of admissions to the emergency department over the past several months, an 80-year-old woman's malnutrition, vague history, and pattern of physical injuries lead the nurse to suspect elder abuse.
 
  Which of the following aspects of the woman's situation may contribute to elder abuse? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) The woman is physically dependent on her son since she lost her mobility.
  B) The woman has no income or savings of her own.
  C) The woman's son describes her as needy, helpless, and pathetic.
  D) The woman and her son are recent immigrants to the United States.
  E) The woman describes herself and her son as not well-off, but not terribly poor either.

[Harbringer]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
The nurse's responsibility in cases of suspected abuse is to report the allegations. It is not the nurse's responsibility to determine validity, encourage a written statement, or counsel the client on the dynamics of the abuse.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A, B, C
Physical and financial dependence and personality conflicts with caregivers and children are known to contribute to elder abuse. Low socioeconomic status and recent immigration are not identified as causative factors.