Running head: CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 14

Critical Thinking Exercise 14

Crystal Buck, RN
Dixie State University

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 14

Critical Thinking Exercise 14

Intimate partner violence happens in all areas of society with no regards to race, gender, social
status or religion. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual. As a nurse we may come in
contact with these situations and it is important that we understand our role in the care and treatment of
this individual and how best to be an advocate for them and keep them safe. In the book Professional
Nursing Practice by Blais and Hayes there is a critical thinking exercise with a scenario and questions
to answer that will be covered in this paper.
The first thing to consider is gathering more information. The following are a list of questions
you can use to further your assessment and start creating a plan of care.

Do you have a safe place to go when you leave here?

Have you had any injury to your abdomen, any changes in the babies behavior?

Have you been forced to have any kind of sexual activity?

Do you have a support system in place? Have you told anyone?

How long has this been going on?

Does he ever use anything other than his hands?

What is the worst injury he has caused you?

Have you contacted the police, do you want to?

Would you like to speak to our social worker?

The next consideration is who else should be involved in the patient's care. The physician should be
informed of the situation and will possibly need to do a more in depth assessment of injuries. A social

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 14

worker or psychologist can assist with the mental needs of the patient and also provide resources and
assistance in resource utilization. If the patient desire to we can contact the police to create a report and
to assist with the patient's safety. Other community resources such as victims advocate, transition
housing, support groups and a domestic violence lawyer can also be helpful.
Through all of the patient's care the nurses should offer a nonjudgmental and supportive attitude.
Our job is to facilitate the safety of the patient and help them in any way we can but ultimately it is the
victim that decides what is to be done. When it comes to discharge and followup the victim should
make the decision about where she is to go with support of staff and other officials as necessary
Finally, abuse is the result of the actions of another person and the abuser cannot be forgotten in
any situation. In this exercise the question is what to do when the abuser shows up and wants to take
the patient home. The boyfriend should be either told the patient is not there in compliance with safety
and patient confidentiality, or if her presence has already been confirmed than inform him he cannot go
back to the treatment area at this time and discuss with the patient what she would like to do. If she
wants to be escorted out by security etc. If the boyfriend throws a tantrum he can be removed by
security and if necessary the police contacted for the safety of the staff. Blais and Hayes mention the
concern of escalating behavior on the part of the abuser when the victim attempts separation (443). The
risk of that situation must be identified and addressed as well.
Victims of violence and abuse have multiple factors hanging in the balance, fear of the abuser,
fear of change, lack of self trust and self esteem to name a few. As a healthcare provider it is necessary
that we appear trustworthy and safe. Many victims will deny the abuse or need for help and we need to
be someone they can open up to and depend on for assistance.

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 14

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References

Blais, K.K, & Hayes, J.S. (2015). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives. Hoboken,
NJ: Julie Levan Alexander