Case Study: Suspected Abuse

Case Study: Suspected Abuse 
Domestic abuse affects millions of Americans every year. Abuse can come in many forms—both physical and psychological. As a nurse, this type of information may be revealed during a health interview. It may also come out during a physical assessment. Reflect on information presented by Dr. Shaughnessy in the media and in the readings on probing techniques when taking a health history. Consider the nurse's responsibility of advocating for patients when abuse is suspected. Recall that it is mandatory for healthcare workers to report any form of abuse. Every healthcare facility has its own policies and procedures for reporting abuse consistent with state and federal guidelines. Therefore, it is important that you become familiar with reporting mechanisms.
Read the following case study on suspected abuse. While reading, reflect on your current knowledge of domestic abuse and your role as a nurse in reporting abuse.
Case Study:
A 24-year-old Arabic woman is brought to the emergency department by her husband. She has a broken arm and bruises over her face and chest. Her husband explains that she tripped over a rug and fell down the stairs. She does not offer an explanation and avoids eye contact during the interview. He is unwilling to leave her side.
Based on the case study, respond to the following:
•What assessment techniques should nurses utilize when conducting a general survey and physical examination when abuse/neglect is suspected?
•In this situation, the patient denies abuse. Taking the patient's culture into consideration, what additional steps could you take?