A woman comes to the clinic with neck pain There's a bald spot ...

[anshika]

A woman comes to the clinic with neck pain
 
  There's a bald spot on her scalp. She explains that she caught her hair in a door, which pulled it out and caused her neck injury. The partner wants to stay with the injured woman. What is the nurse's best action?
  a. Encourage the partner to remain with the woman to provide emotional support.
  b. Require the partner to stay in the waiting room when the woman is examined.
  c. Call hospital security to have them stand by to prevent violence.
  d. Report the situation to local law enforcement authorities.

Question 2

A survivor of childhood abuse is hospitalized following an episode of wrist cutting. The patient has a history of bingepurge eating disorder as well as difficulty trusting and relating to others. What is the nurse's priority intervention?
 
  a. Set limits on self-harmful behavior.
  b. Foster belief in and valuing of family unity.
  c. Confront abnormal eating patterns and self-mutilation.
  d. Encourage discussion of personal responsibilities associated with abuse.

[bobsmith]

Answer to Question 1

B
The victim's explanation of being injured does not sound plausible. The nurse should suspect partner abuse. Regarding the other options, the victim and perpetrator must be separated to permit the victim the privacy to discuss what has really happened to her. It is unlikely that the perpetrator will act out when he can be observed by others. It is too early to involve the local police.

Answer to Question 2

A
Setting limits on self-mutilating behavior or purging is necessary to provide for the safety needs of the patient. Individuation should be fostered. The victim should not be encouraged to accept any personal responsibility for the abuse. The patient is aware of the eating patterns and self-mutilation; confrontation will not build trust.