The nurse is caring for a patient whom the nurse suspects is a ...

[Evvie72]

The nurse is caring for a patient whom the nurse suspects is a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV). What screening question made by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  1. Can you tell me how you got your injuries?
  2. Can you tell me if it is safe for you to go home?
  3. Can you tell me what you know about intimate partner violence?
  4. Can you tell me what your spouse was doing when you sustained your injuries?

Question 2

A patient tells the nurse, I don't want to go home. I'm afraid my spouse will hurt me again. What is the nurse's best response?
 
  1. Invite the abuser to the assessment session.
  2. Avoid pressuring the patient to leave the abuser.
  3. Acknowledge the patient's inability to change the situation.
  4. Ensure not to ask direct questions about abuse, as this will intimidate the patient.

[catron30]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: Screening is one way that nurses can help to provide information and resources to a person who may be suffering IPV. The most appropriate way to screen for IPV is the use of direct questions about the violence. The most appropriate question is, Is it safe for you to go home? All the other questions are not as direct, and they do not get at the priority nursing action, which is to assess the safety of the patient.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: The patient is a victim of interpersonal violence (IPV). The nurse should not pressure the patient to leave, as it may be more dangerous for the patient to leave at this time, and the patient may have to wait until an opportunity arises. The patient should not be discouraged from efforts to prevent future violence but should be encouraged to look for opportunities to change the situation by developing a safety plan. Having the abuser present may prevent the patient from talking openly with the nurse. The nurse should ask direct questions as appropriate when engaging in therapeutic communication with the patient.