Chapter 27: Interpersonal Violence: Child, Older Adult, and Intimate Partner Abuse

Question 1

Which comment by the nurse would best support relationship building with a survivor of intimate partner abuse?

a. “You are feeling violated because you thought you could trust your partner.”
b. “I’m here for you. I want you to tell me about the bad things that happened to you.”
c. “I was very worried about you. I knew you were living in a potentially violent situation.”
d. “Abusers often target people who are passive. I will refer you to an assertiveness class.”

Answer 1

ANS: A
Offering hope, identifying strengths, and displaying confidence that the person can take care of him- or herself are important aspects of nursing care. The correct option uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. It shows empathy, an important nursing attribute for establishing rapport and building a relationship. None of the other options would help the patient feel accepted.

Question 2

An 11-year-old reluctantly tells the nurse, “My parents don’t like me. They said they wish I was never born.” Which type of abuse is likely?

a. Sexual
b. Physical
c. Emotional
d. Economic

Answer 2

ANS: C
Examples of emotional abuse include having an adult demean a child’s worth, frequently criticize, or belittle the child. No data support physical battering or endangerment, sexual abuse, or economic abuse.

Question 3

What feelings are most commonly experienced by nurses working with abusive families?

a. Outrage toward the victim and discouragement regarding the abuser
b. Helplessness regarding the victim and anger toward the abuser
c. Unconcern for the victim and dislike for the abuser
d. Vulnerability for self and empathy with the abuser

Answer 3

ANS: B
Intense protective feelings, helplessness, and sympathy for the victim are common emotions of a nurse working with an abusive family. Anger and outrage toward the abuser are also common emotions of a nurse working with an abusive family.

Question 4

Which rationale best explains why a nurse should be aware of personal feelings while working with a family experiencing family violence?

a. Self-awareness enhances the nurse’s advocacy role.
b. Strong negative feelings interfere with assessment and judgement.
c. Strong positive feelings lead to healthy transference with the victim.
d. Positive feelings promote the development of sympathy for patients.

Answer 4

ANS: B
Strong negative feelings cloud the nurse’s judgement and interfere with assessment and intervention, no matter how well the nurse tries to cover or deny feelings. Strong positive feelings lead to overinvolvement with victims rather than healthy transference.

Question 5

The parents of a 15-year-old seek to have this teen declared a delinquent because of excessive drinking, habitually running away, and prostitution. The nurse interviewing the teen should recognize that these behaviours often occur in which of the following adolescents?

a. Adolescents who have been abused
b. Adolescents who are attention-seeking
c. Adolescents who have eating disorders
d. Adolescents who are developmentally delayed

Answer 5

ANS: A
Failing grades, alcohol and drug abuse, increased incidence of theft and violent behaviours, running away from home, and unstable and unsatisfactory relationships are frequently seen in teens who are abused. These behaviours are not as closely aligned with any of the other options.

Question 6

What is a nurse’s legal responsibility if child abuse or neglect is suspected?

a. Discuss the findings with the child’s parent and health care provider.
b. Document the observation and suspicion in the medical record.
c. Report the suspicion according to provincial or territorial regulations.
d. Continue the assessment.

Answer 6

ANS: C
According to provincial or territorial legislation, any suspected or actual cases of child abuse must be reported to the official social service agency. The nurse is a mandated reporter. The reporter does not need to be sure that abuse or neglect occurred, only that it is suspected. Speculation should not be documented, only the facts.

Question 7

Several children are seen in the emergency department for treatment of various illnesses and injuries. Which assessment finding would create the most suspicion for child abuse?

a. The child with complaints of abdominal pain
b. The child who has repeated middle ear infections
c. The child with bruises on extremities
d. The child with diarrhea

Answer 7

ANS: C
Determine whether a child demonstrates signs of physical abuse, including numerous injuries in various stages of healing; unexplained bruises and welts; unexplained pattern, immersion, and friction burns; facial, spiral, shaft, or multiple fractures; unexplained facial lacerations and abrasions. In older children, vague complaints such as back pain may also be suspicious. Ear infections, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are problems that were unlikely to have resulted from violence.

Question 8

An 11-year-old says, “My parents don’t like me. They call me stupid and say they wish I were never born. It doesn’t matter what they think because I already know I’m dumb.” Which nursing diagnosis applies to this child?

a. Chronic low self-esteem related to negative feedback from parents
b. Deficient knowledge related to interpersonal skills with parents
c. Disturbed personal identity related to negative self-evaluation
d. Complicated grieving related to poor academic performance

Answer 8

ANS: A
The child has indicated a belief in being too dumb to learn. The child receives negative and demeaning feedback from the parents. The child has internalized these messages, resulting in a low self-esteem. Deficient knowledge refers to knowledge of health care measures. Disturbed personal identity refers to an alteration in the ability to distinguish between self and non-self. Grieving may apply, but a specific loss is not evident in the scenario. Low self-esteem is more relevant to the child’s statements.

Question 9

An adult has recently been absent from work for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, the individual returned wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises were apparent. What is the occupational health nurse’s priority assessment?

a. Interpersonal relationships
b. Work responsibilities
c. Socialization skills
d. Physical injuries

Answer 9

ANS: D
The individual should be assessed for possible battering. Physical injuries are abuse indicators and are the primary focus for assessment. No data support the other options.

Question 10

A young adult has recently had multiple absences from work. After each absence, this adult returned to work wearing dark glasses and a long-sleeved shirt. During an interview with the occupational health nurse, this adult says, “My partner beat me, but it was because I did not do the laundry.” What is the nurse’s next action?

a. Call the police.
b. Arrange for hospitalization.
c. Call the relevant social services agency.
d. Document injuries with a body map.

Answer 10

ANS: D
Documentation of injuries provides a basis for possible legal intervention. In most provinces and territories, the abused adult needs to make the decision to involve the police, unless there are issues of age or competency. Because the worker is not a child and is competent, a provincial or territorial social services agency is unable to assist. Admission to the hospital is not necessary.

Question 11

A patient tells the nurse, “My husband lost his job. He’s abusive only when he drinks too much. His family was like that when he was growing up. He always apologizes and regrets hurting me.” What risk factor was most predictive for the husband to become abusive?

a. History of family violence
b. Loss of employment
c. Abuse of alcohol
d. Poverty

Answer 11

ANS: A
An abuse-prone individual is an individual who has experienced family violence and was often abused as a child. This phenomenon is part of the cycle of violence. The other options may be present but are not as predictive.

Question 12

An adult tells the nurse, “My partner abuses me when I make mistakes, but I always get an apology and a gift afterward. I’ve considered leaving but haven’t been able to bring myself to actually do it.” Which phase in the cycle of violence prevents this adult from leaving?

a. Tension-building
b. Acute battering
c. Honeymoon
d. Stabilization

Answer 12

ANS: C
The honeymoon stage is characterized by kind, loving behaviours toward the abused spouse when the perpetrator feels remorseful. The victim believes the promises and drops plans to leave or seek legal help. The tension-building stage is characterized by minor violence in the form of abusive verbalization or pushing. The acute battering stage involves the abuser beating the victim. The violence cycle does not include a stabilization stage.

Question 13

After treatment for a detached retina, a survivor of intimate partner abuse says, “My partner only abuses me when I make mistakes. I’ve considered leaving, but I was brought up to believe you stay together, no matter what happens.” Which diagnosis should be the focus of the nurse’s initial actions?

a. Risk for injury related to physical abuse from partner
b. Social isolation related to lack of a community support system
c. Ineffective coping related to uneven distribution of power within a relationship
d. Deficient knowledge related to resources for escape from an abusive relationship

Answer 13

Risk for injury is the priority diagnosis because the partner has already inflicted physical injury during violent episodes. The other diagnoses are applicable, but the nurse must first address the patient’s safety.

Question 14

A survivor of physical spousal abuse was treated in the emergency department for a broken wrist. This patient said, “I’ve considered leaving, but I made a vow and I must keep it no matter what happens.” Which outcome should be met before discharge?

a. Staff will lay charges against the abuser with police.
b. The patient will name two community resources for help.
c. The patient will demonstrate insight into the abusive relationship.
d. The patient will reexamine cultural beliefs about marital commitment.

Answer 14

ANS: B
The only outcome indicator clearly attainable within this time is for staff to provide the victim with information about community resources that can be contacted. Development of insight into the abusive relationship and reexamining cultural beliefs will require time. The patient may or may not press charges against the abuser with the police; however, this is not an outcome to be met before discharge.

Question 15

An older adult with Lewy body dementia lives with family and attends a day care centre. A nurse there noticed the adult had a disheveled appearance, strong odor of urine, and bruises on the limbs and back. What type of abuse might be occurring?

a. Psychological
b. Financial
c. Physical
d. Sexual

Answer 15

Lewy body dementia results in cognitive impairment. The assessment of physical abuse would be supported by the nurse’s observation of bruises. Physical abuse includes evidence of improper care as well as physical endangerment behaviours, such as reckless behaviour toward a vulnerable person that could lead to serious injury. No data substantiate the other options

Question 16

An older adult with Alzheimer’s disease lives with family in a rural area. During the week, the person attends a day care centre while the family is at work. In the evenings, members of the family provide care. Which factor makes this patient most vulnerable to abuse?

a. Multiple caregivers
b. Alzheimer’s disease
c. Living in a rural area
d. Being part of a busy family

Answer 16

ANS: B
Older adults are at high risk for violence, particularly those with cognitive impairments. The other characteristics are not identified as placing an individual at high risk.

Question 17

An older adult with Lewy body dementia lives with family. After observing multiple bruises, the home health nurse talked with the daughter, who became defensive and said, “My mother often wanders at night. Last night she fell down the stairs.” Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

a. Risk for injury related to poor judgement, cognitive impairments, and inadequate supervision
b. Wandering related to confusion and disorientation as evidenced by sleepwalking and falls
c. Chronic confusion related to degenerative changes in brain tissue as evidenced by nighttime wandering
d. Insomnia related to sleep disruptions associated with cognitive impairment as evidenced by wandering at night

Answer 17

ANS: A
The patient is at high risk for injury because of her confusion. The risk increases when caregivers are unable to give constant supervision. Insomnia, chronic confusion, and wandering apply to this patient; however, the risk for injury is a higher priority.

Question 18

An older woman diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease lives with family and attends day care. After observing poor hygiene, the nurse talked with the caregiver. This caregiver became defensive and said, “It takes all my energy to care for my mother. She’s awake all night. I never get any sleep.” Which nursing intervention has priority?

a. Teach the caregiver about the effects of sundown syndrome.
b. Secure additional resources for the mother’s evening and night care.
c. Support the caregiver to grieve the loss of the mother’s cognitive abilities.
d. Teach the family how to give physical care more effectively and efficiently.

Answer 18

ANS: B
The patient’s caregivers were coping with care until the patient began to stay awake at night. The family needs assistance with evening and night care to resume their pre-crisis state of functioning. Secondary prevention calls for the nurse to mobilize community resources to relieve overwhelming stress. The other interventions may then be accomplished.

Question 19

An adult has a history of physical violence against family when frustrated, followed by periods of remorse after each outburst. Which finding indicates a successful plan of care?

a. The adult expresses frustration verbally instead of physically.
b. The adult explains the rationale for behaviours to the victim.
c. The adult identifies three personal strengths.
d. The adult agrees to seek counselling.

Answer 19

ANS: A
The patient will have developed a healthier way of coping with frustration if it is expressed verbally instead of physically. The incorrect options do not confirm achievement of outcomes.

Question 20

Which referral will be most helpful for a woman who was severely beaten by her intimate partner, has no relatives or friends in the community, is afraid to return home, and has limited financial resources?

a. A support group
b. A mental health centre
c. A women’s shelter
d. Vocational counselling

Answer 20

ANS: C
Because the woman has no safe place to go, referral to a shelter is necessary. The shelter will provide other referrals as necessary.

Question 21

A 10-year-old cares for siblings while the parents work because the family cannot afford a babysitter. This child says, “My father doesn’t like me. He calls me stupid all the time.” The mother says the father is easily frustrated and has trouble disciplining the children. The community health nurse should consider which resources as priorities to stabilize the home situation? Select all that apply.

a. Parental sessions to teach childrearing practices
b. Anger management counselling for the father
c. Continuing home visits to give support
d. A safety plan for the wife and children
e. Placing the children in foster care

Answer 21

ANS: A, B, C
Anger management counselling for the father is appropriate. Support for this family will be an important component of treatment. By the wife’s admission, the family has deficient knowledge of parenting practices. Whenever possible, the goal of intervention should be to keep the family together; thus, removing the children from the home should be considered a last resort. Physical abuse is not suspected, so a safety plan would not be a priority at this time.

Question 22

A nurse assists a victim of intimate partner abuse to create a plan for escape if it becomes necessary. Which components should the plan include? Select all that apply.

a. Keep a cell phone fully charged.
b. Hide money with which to buy new clothes.
c. Have the phone number for the nearest shelter.
d. Take enough toys to amuse the children for 2 days.
e. Secure a supply of current medications for self and children.
f. Assemble birth certificates, passports, and other identification and licences.
g. Determine a code word to signal children when it is time to leave.

Answer 22

ANS: A, C, E, F, G
The victim must prepare for a quick exit and so should assemble necessary items. Keeping a cell phone fully charged will help with access to support persons or agencies. Taking a large supply of toys would be cumbersome and might compromise the plan. People are advised to take one favorite small toy or security object for each child, but most shelters have toys to further engage the children. Accumulating enough money to purchase clothing may be difficult

Question 23

A community health nurse visits a family with four children. The father behaves angrily, finds fault with the oldest child, and asks twice, “Why are you such a stupid kid?” The wife says, “I have difficulty disciplining the children. It’s so frustrating.” Which comments by the nurse will facilitate an interview with these parents? Select all that apply.

a. “Tell me how you discipline your children.”
b. “How do you stop your baby from crying?”
c. “Caring for four small children must be difficult.”
d. “Do you or your husband ever spank your children?”
e. “Calling children ‘stupid’ injures their self-esteem.”

Answer 23

ANS: A, B, C
An interview with possible abusing individuals should be built on concern and carried out in a nonthreatening, nonjudgemental way. Empathetic remarks are helpful in creating rapport. Questions requiring a descriptive response are less threatening and elicit more relevant information than questions that can be answered by yes or no.