A 30-year-old client has just been treated in the ER for bruises and abrasions to her face and a broken arm from domestic violence, which has been increasing in frequency and intensity over the last few months. The nurse assesses her as being very anxious, fearful, bewildered, and feeling helpless as she states, “I don’t know what to do, I’m afraid to go home.”
The best response by the nurse to the client would be:
A . “I wouldn’t want to go home either; call a friend who could help you.”
B . “Did you do something that could have made him so angry?”
C . “Let’s talk about people and resources available to you so that you don’t have to go home.”
D . “I’ll call the police and they will take care of him, and you can go home and get some rest.”
Answer: C
Explanation:
(A) A person in crisis needs support, assistance, and direction from a caregiver rather than just an instruction.
(B) A battered person may feel guilt and think that they cause the abuser’s behavior; however, the abuser has the problem and goes through phases of violence.
(C) The nurse should provide support and guidance to the client in crisis by offering alternatives and assist in referrals.
(D) Focusing on help from law enforcement may be a very temporary solution, because the victim may be fearful of pressing charges. This answer does not address the crisis of going home.