The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a client who offers a number of vague somatic complaints that

Question

might not ordinarily prompt a visit to a caregiver, such as fatigue, back pain, headaches, and sleep
disturbance.

The client seems tense, and after having spoken of her symptoms seems reluctant to
provide more information and is in a hurry to leave. The nurse can best serve the client by
a. asking if the client has ever had psychiatric counseling.
b. having the client fill out an abuse assessment screen.
c. exploring the possibility of client social isolation.
d. asking the client to disrobe so the nurse can look for signs of physical abuse.

Answer 1

B
In this situation the nurse should consider the possibility that the client is a victim of domestic
violence. Although the client is reluctant to discuss issues, she may be willing to fill out an abuse
assessment screen, which would then open the door to discussion. Option A is prejudicial. Option C
is only one area for assessment and may be seen by the client as irrelevant and increase her
reluctance to disclose. Option D will be threatening to the client and probably be met with refusal.