A nurse discovers that a person is being abused. What should the nurse

QUESTION

A nurse discovers that a person is being abused. What should the nurse do to prevent the abuse from continuing? (Select all that apply.)

1. Appropriate assessment
2. Verbalize to the victim that he or she is a good person and the abuser is the bad person
3. Documentation
4. Intervention
5. Know the laws associated with reporting abuse

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 4, 5

Often the nurse is the first one outside a person’s family to discover that the person is being abused. A nurse can identify abuse through appropriate assessment and protect the abused through intervention and properly documenting the abuse. Nurses should know the laws associated with reporting abuse. The nurse should also avoid making negative comments about the abuser and to follow established protocols for mandatory reporting, documentation, and use of available support services (e.g., the police department, social service agencies, and child welfare agency).