Chapter 24: Forensic Nursing

Chapter 24: Forensic Nursing

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. What is the primary expected outcome when a victim of a violent crime is initially attended to by a forensic nurse?

a.	Their physical injuries will be assessed and treated.
b.	The evidence of the assault from their body will be preserved.
c.	The legal system will be provided with evidence of the crime.
d.	Their long-term emotional health will be of primary concern.

 

ANS: B

Forensic nurses fill a gap where the health care system interacts with the legal system by meeting the needs of victims and perpetrators of violent crimes through enhanced quality of care and preventive services. Observation, documentation, preservation, and notification are critical for determining the legal outcomes of cases that involve violence. Although it is true that the legal system is supported, that is not the focus of care in these cases. The remaining options are not responsibilities unique to the forensic nurse.

 

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Page 558        TOP:  Nursing Process: Planning

MSC: NCLEX: Psychological Integrity

 

2. Which therapeutic outcome has resulted from the introduction of the specialized SANE nurse?

a.	ED staff are no longer involved in the care of rape victims.
b.	Retraumatizating of the rape victim has been decreased greatly.
c.	The rights of both the rape victim and the rapist are preserved.
d.	The rape victim is assured quality physical and mental healthcare.

 

ANS: B

The specialized attention of these nurses has addressed the long-standing issue of retraumatizing victims. The ED staff may still be involved in the physical care of the victim. The focus is not on the rights of the potential rapist. The physical and mental health needs of the victim are not the sole responsibility of the SANE nurse.

 

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Pages 555-556

TOP:  Nursing Process: Outcome Identification

MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

 

 

3. When providing care to an assault victim, the forensic nurse will initially:

a.	Notify the police that an assault has occurred.
b.	Assess the individual for any resulting physical trauma.
c.	Bag all clothing to preserve any relevant evidence.
d.	Determine whether the victim as been sexually assaulted as well.

 

ANS: B

It is the role of the forensic nurse to immediately assess the assault victim for evidence of acute physical injuries. The remaining options do not have the priority that the individual’s physical health needs demand.

 

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Page 556

TOP:  Nursing Process: Assessment        MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

 

4. Which intervention demonstrates the SANE nurse’s unique attention to the assessment of a sexual assault?

a.	Conducting the assessment in the most private exam room
b.	Not directly questioning the patient about the attack or the attacker
c.	Identifying that the patient is showing signs of anxiety by withdrawing
d.	Meticulously assessing the patient for signs of any resulting physical trauma

 

ANS: C

Throughout the physical examination, the SANE nurse will be attuned to the victim’s mental status and monitor him or her for signs and symptoms of anxiety, panic, and grief. The event and the assailant are topics that must be discussed. The remaining options identify interventions that are considered a nursing responsibility and not unique to the role of the SANE nurse.

 

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Page 556

TOP:  Nursing Process: Assessment        MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity

 

5. To best address the assault victim’s psychosocial needs, the forensic nurse:

a.	Warns the family that the patient will likely be suicidal
b.	Suggests that the family provide continuous supervision of the patient for at least 30 days
c.	Encourages the patient to discuss medication therapy with the physician prior to discharge from the ED
d.	Provides education to both the patient and the family regarding the signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 

ANS: D

These patients are at extreme risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders, making education on such topics vitally important to their mental health. Although the patient may become depressed and have an increased risk for suicide, it is not true that the patient is likely to attempt such an act nor is it necessary to provide constant supervision. If such was needed, the patient would be hospitalized. The need for medications will be determined by the physician.

 

DIF:   Cognitive Level: Application        REF:  Pages 556-557

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation       MSC:   NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity