Substance Abuse and Abuse Q 38
During a home visit to a family of three: a mother, father, and their child, The mother tells the community nurse that the father (who is not present) had hit the child on several occasions when he was drinking. The mother further explains that she has talked her husband into going to Alcoholics Anonymous and asks the nurse not to interfere, so her husband won’t get angry and refuse treatment. Which of the following is the best response of the nurse?
A. The nurse agrees not to interfere if the husband attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that evening.
B. The nurse commends the mother's efforts and agrees to let her handle things.
C. The nurse commends the mother's efforts and also contacts protective services.
D. The nurse confronts the mother's failure to protect the child.
Correct Answer: C. The nurse commends the mother’s efforts and also contacts protective services.
The nurse would validate and reinforce the mother’s efforts to seek help; however, the nurse must also report the abuse to the appropriate protective services. The priority is to maintain the child’s safety. Communicate information and needs of the child to those on the abuse team (or to new caretakers if the child is being placed with a foster parent or someone other than parents); provide written instruction for care and child’s needs. Provides a care plan for the child based on the court decision to caretakers working with the family based on the court decision for child’s care.
Option A: Maintain factual and objective documentation of all observations, including child’s physical condition, child’s behavioral response to parents, health care workers, other visitors, parent’s response to child, and interviews with family members. Provides information that may be used in legal action regarding abuse.
Option B: The nurse is failing to provide for the child’s safety and is not following legal guidelines. Inform parents of follow-up care and needs of the child, and need to evaluate the child’s progress. Promotes emphasis on child’s care and prevention of recurrence of abuse.
Option D: The nurse is alienating the mother, as well as failing to follow legal guidelines and ensure the child’s safety. Instruct parents in identifying events that lead to child abuse and in methods to deal with behavior without harming the child. Prevents further abusive behavior directed at the child.