Exam 24: Interpersonal Violence: Child, Older Adult, and Intimate Partner Abuse

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?

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

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?

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?

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

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

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 violence is likely?

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?

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?

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 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 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?

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?

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?

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

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 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?

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 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?

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 odour of urine, and bruises on the limbs and back. What type of violence might be occurring?