A mother and two children are in the emergency department. She ...

[Jkov05]

A mother and two children are in the emergency department. She has just escaped from a severe beating by her husband. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
 
  a. Appeal to her maternal instincts regarding child care.
  b. Focus on physical safety and emotional security.
  c. Provide a support group referral.
  d. Disclose victims' legal rights.

Question 2

A patient says, I was raped 2 hours ago. The patient coherently, quietly, and calmly states the facts in a monotone voice. The nurse should assess this behavior as
 
  a. a delayed reaction to the trauma.
  b. indicative of ego integrity.
  c. evidence of denial.
  d. sublimation.

[hollysheppard095]

Answer to Question 1

B
During the impact stage, the victim is acutely aware of the danger she has just escaped. Believing that the next beating could be fatal might provide incentive to take constructive action. The nurse can assist the victim to begin to consider a plan for escape when the next beating seems imminent and can provide information about resources.

Answer to Question 2

A
In the impact stage of trauma response, the individual might appear quite normal because the reality of the attack has not yet registered. The emotional response might be delayed for hours or even days. The other options are not plausible.