A nurse is assessing a client for potential domestic violence. Which statement by the client raises suspicion of abuse?
a) “My partner and I argue sometimes, but it’s nothing serious.”
b) “I fell down the stairs a few days ago and hurt my arm.”
c) “I’m always careful not to make my partner angry.”
d) “I feel safe and supported in my relationship.”
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c) “I’m always careful not to make my partner angry.”
This statement raises suspicion of domestic violence. It suggests that the client is living in fear of their partner’s reactions, which is a common indicator of an abusive relationship. In an abusive relationship, one partner may use intimidation, control, or manipulation to dominate the other. This statement implies that the client feels the need to constantly monitor their actions and behavior to avoid provoking their partner, a sign of power imbalance and fear in the relationship.
Domestic violence often includes a cycle of tension-building, acute abuse, and reconciliation. Victims of abuse may develop coping mechanisms such as “walking on eggshells,” which involves being overly cautious to avoid triggering an abusive episode. This behavior can be a significant red flag for healthcare professionals, signaling the need for further investigation into the nature of the client’s relationship and any potential harm they might be experiencing.
The other options, while they may reflect issues within a relationship, do not indicate the same level of fear or control:
- Option a (“My partner and I argue sometimes, but it’s nothing serious”) may suggest typical relationship conflicts, not necessarily abuse.
- Option b (“I fell down the stairs a few days ago and hurt my arm”) could be an innocent accident, but it does not necessarily indicate abuse.
- Option d (“I feel safe and supported in my relationship”) suggests a healthy relationship and does not raise concerns about abuse.
In conclusion, the statement about being cautious to avoid angering a partner is a significant red flag for domestic violence. It is important for healthcare professionals to ask open-ended questions, observe for signs of fear or injury, and create a safe environment where clients can disclose their experiences.