A client with a history of physical and sexual abuse by her husband is admitted to the hospital for treatment of vaginal lacerations. While hospitalized, the client expresses concerns to the nurse about her safety when she returns home
The first priority for the nurse is to: 1. Offer to contact outpatient services if the client promises that she will not return home after her discharge.
2. Encourage the client to take charge of her situation.
3. Make it clear to the client that her husband needs to see a therapist.
4. Assist the client to devise a safety or escape plan.
4
Rationale: A victim of abuse by a partner should have a safety plan. This is the highest priority because the client's physical and/or mental health is in danger. The nurse should not assume that the client will be able to control her partner, and suggesting that the client tell the abusive partner to see a therapist could escalate the abuse. Encouraging a client to take charge is a very general suggestion. The client needs specific tools to develop a safety plan. It may not be safe or feasible for the client to leave home right away, and resources should not be withheld if a client is unable to promise to leave home.
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