A patient presents to the clinic with a sore throat and sinus pain, but the nurse notices several bruises of different ages, including some on her face. When asked, the patient states she fell down the stairs last week
Which action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the patient outright whether she is being abused by someone.
b. Call local law enforcement to come and take a crime report.
c. Document the injuries but do not question the patient about it.
d. Explain that these injuries do not seem consistent with a fall.
D
Gently confronting the patient with the fact that the injuries are not consistent with the explanation lets the patient know you suspect another cause of the injury and gives her time to tell the story. Many times the patient will confide in the nurse at this point but not always.
Asking the patient bluntly may result in the patient denying that she is being injured. Also, the patient may not self-identify with the word "abused."
Nurses should know the law in the states where they practice; this action may be required in some locations. However, unless required, the nurse should not take this action; to call law enforcement without the patient's consent and without the patient admitting to being injured may cause the patient to lose trust in the nurse.
Documenting the injuries is very important, but the nurse should follow up with further questions about the injuries, especially if they appear suspicious.
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