Exam 21: Child, Partner, and Elder Violence

An older adult diagnosed with dementia lives with family and attends an adult day care center. A nurse at the center notices the adult has a disheveled appearance, a strong odor of urine, and bruises on the limbs and back. What type of abuse might be occurring?

An 11-year-old child is absent from school to care for siblings while the parents work. The family cannot afford a babysitter. When asked about the parents, the child reluctantly says, "My parents don't like me. They call me stupid and say I never do anything right." Which type of abuse is likely?

A community health nurse visits a family with four children. The father behaves angrily, finds fault with a 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 the interview with these parents? (Select all that apply.)

Which referral is most appropriate for a woman who is severely beaten by her husband, has no relatives or friends in the community, is afraid to return home, and has limited financial resources?

An older adult diagnosed with Alzheimer disease lives with family. During the week, the person attends a day care center 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 patient has a history of physical violence against family members when frustrated and then experiences periods of remorse after each outburst. The patient attends anger management classes. Which finding indicates success in this plan of care? The patient:

Which family scenario presents the greatest risk for family violence?

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

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

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

After treatment for a detached retina, a victim of intimate partner violence says, "My partner only abuses me when intoxicated. I've considered leaving, but I was brought up to believe you stay together, no matter what happens. I always get an apology, and I can tell my partner feels bad after hitting me." Which nursing diagnosis applies?

An employee has recently been absent from work on several occasions. Each time, this employee returns to work wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises are apparent. During the occupational health nurse's interview, the employee says, "My partner beat me, but it was because there are problems at work." What should the nurse's next action be?

A 10-year-old child 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 to stabilize the home situation? (Select all that apply.)

An older adult diagnosed with dementia lives with family and attends day care. After observing poor hygiene, the nurse at the center talks with the patient's adult child. This caregiver becomes defensive and says, "It takes all my time and energy to care for my mother. She's awake all night. I never get any sleep." Which nursing intervention has priority?

An adult has recently been absent from work for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, this person returns to work wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises are apparent. What is the occupational health nurse's priority question?

A patient at the emergency department is diagnosed with a concussion. The patient is accompanied by a spouse who insists on staying in the room and answering all questions. The patient avoids eye contact and has a sad affect and slumped shoulders. Assessment of which additional problem has priority?

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

An adult tells the nurse, "My partner abuses me only when drinking. The drinking has increased lately, but I always get an apology afterward and a box of candy. I've considered leaving but haven't been able to bring myself to actually do it." Which phase in the cycle of violence prevents the patient from leaving?

A clinic nurse interviews an adult patient who reports fatigue, back pain, headaches, tension, and sleep disturbances. The patient then becomes reluctant to provide more information and wants to leave. How can the nurse best serve the patient?

An older adult, diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, lives with family and has multiple bruises. The home health nurse talks with the older adult's daughter, who becomes defensive and says, "My mother often wanders at night. Last night she fell down the stairs." Which nursing diagnosis has priority?