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Difficulty: EasyAbuse or Neglect

A practical nurse (PN) at a women's health clinic is caring for a client who presents with a cluster of fading bruises on the torso and neck, along with a withdrawn demeanor. The PN suspects intimate partner violence. Which actions should the PN take? Select all that apply.

  1. Provide the client with a list of local domestic violence hotlines and safe shelters.Answer
  2. B
    Delay notifying the nursing supervisor until the client provides concrete proof of the abuse.
  3. C
    Ask the client, 'Why are you staying with someone who treats you this way?'
  4. Document the exact location, size, and color of the bruises in the client's electronic health record.Answer
  5. E
    Discuss the client's suspected abuse with a colleague in the clinic's waiting room to gain a second opinion.

Answer

The practical nurse should provide the client with local domestic violence resources and objectively document the physical injuries in the medical record.
The correct actions involve prioritizing client safety by offering safe shelter resources and ensuring meticulous, objective documentation of the injuries. These steps fall directly within the practical nurse's scope of practice for suspected abuse.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's physical safety and document objective findings.
The exact location, size, and color of the bruises are recorded in the electronic health record.
Objective documentation creates an accurate medical record that may be needed for future legal or protective actions.
2
Provide safety resources without forcing the client to take immediate action.
The client receives information about domestic violence hotlines and safe shelters.
Supplying resources supports client autonomy and ensures they have access to help when they are ready.
3
Avoid non-therapeutic communication, confidentiality breaches, and delays in reporting.
The nurse maintains a non-judgmental environment and follows reporting protocols.
Mandated reporting requires acting on suspicion rather than waiting for proof, while maintaining privacy and therapeutic trust.

Key Concept

The primary nursing responsibilities when abuse is suspected are ensuring client safety, providing resources, maintaining objective documentation, and adhering to mandated reporting laws.
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Topics

Abuse or Neglect

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