You are the nurse assessing a 28-year-old woman who has presented to the emergency department with vague complaints of malaise

Question

You note bruising to the patient's upper arm that correspond to the outline of fingers as well as yellow bruising around her left eye. The patient makes minimal eye contact during the assessment. How might you best inquire about the bruising?
A) "Is anyone physically hurting you?"
B) "Tell me about your relationships."
C) "Do you want to see a social worker?"
D) "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Few patients will discuss the topic of abuse unless they are directly asked. Therefore, it is important to ask direct questions, such as, "Is anyone physically hurting you?" The other options are incorrect because they are not the best way to illicit information about possible abuse in a direct and appropriate manner.