Personality and Mood Disorders Q 84
During the initial care of rape victims, the following are to be considered except:
A. Assure privacy.
B. Touch the client to show acceptance and empathy.
C. Accompany the client to the examination room.
D. Maintain a non-judgmental approach.
Correct Answer: B. Touch the client to show acceptance and empathy.
The client finds touch intrusive and therefore should be avoided. Establish trust and rapport. Since the victim may misinterpret any statements unrelated to her immediate situation as blaming or rejecting, the nurse should delay asking questions until the therapeutic nature is established.
Option A: Privacy is one of the rights of a victim of rape. Provide strict confidentiality. The client’s situation is not to be talked over with anyone other than medical staff involved unless the client gives consent to it.
Option C: The client is anxious. Accompanying the client in a quiet room ensures the safety and offers emotional support. Have someone stay with the client (friend, neighbor, or staff member) while he or she waits to be treated. People with high levels of anxiety need to feel physical safety by providing someone by his/her side until the anxiety level is down to moderate.
Option D: Guilt feeling is common among rape victims. They should not be blamed. Stress that they did the right thing to save their life. Rape victims might feel guilt and shame. Reinforcing that they did what they had to do to stay alive can reduce guilt and maintain self-esteem.