ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 41 : Caring for Survivors of Violence and Abuse Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is talking to a female client who is a survivor of intimate partner violence. The woman relates that her husband has been told that he has the characteristics of an antisocial personality disorder. The woman also informs the nurse that her husband has an extensive criminal record. The nurse interprets this information and suspects that the woman?s husband would most likely demonstrate which behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' rights, often leading to a risk for moderate to severe violence both within and outside the family (
A), especially given the husband's criminal record. Intermittent remorse (
B) is unlikely, as lack of remorse is a hallmark of the disorder. Depression and inadequacy (
C) are not typical, and social isolation (
D) contradicts the manipulative social tendencies of antisocial personality.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a young adult in the mental health clinic. The client tells the nurse that he was physically neglected as a child. The nurse should assess the client for symptoms of which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Physical neglect in childhood is strongly associated with major depression (
A) due to its impact on emotional development and self-esteem. Schizophrenia (
B) has a stronger genetic basis, narcissistic personality disorder (
C) is less directly linked to neglect, and panic disorder (
D) is less commonly a primary outcome of neglect.
Question 3 of 5
The emergency department nurse is assessing a female client with traumatic injuries. To assess whether or not the client?s injuries have resulted from abuse, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The open-ended, nonjudgmental question 'It looks like someone has hurt you. Tell me about it.' (
C) encourages the client to share details without assuming abuse or blaming her. Option A is vague, option B implies blame, and option D focuses on the perpetrator rather than the client?s experience.
Question 4 of 5
A female client has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder after a history of violence by her boyfriend. During the initial assessment interview, which assessment would be the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Suicide risk (
D) is the priority in a client with PTSD due to intimate partner violence, as the trauma and emotional distress significantly increase suicidality. Nutritional status (
A), hydration (
B), and sleep patterns (
C) are important but secondary to ensuring safety.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a family in which the elderly mother has been a victim of abuse and neglect by her 48-year-old son. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind before interviewing the family?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Allowing the elderly mother to decide whether to leave (
C) respects her autonomy and is critical in abuse cases, ensuring empowerment and safety planning. Legal removal (
A) is premature, self-esteem (
B) is secondary, and nursing home placement (
D) assumes a specific outcome without client input.