Chapter 1: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness for Healthcare Professionals (Mandatory) 1 CE Hour
By: Robyn B. Caldwell, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP Course overview This course is intended to share information with all nurses on the concept of domestic and sexual violence when Learning objectives Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to: Discuss the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence and recent media exposure. Assess how survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence view their health, and assess their impact on the healthcare system.
caring for patients who are at risk or have been a target of domestic or sexual violence.
Explain post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a sequela of domestic violence and sexual violence. Analyze the effects of domestic violence and sexual violence on specific populations. Identify laws that impact domestic violence and sexual violence.
INTRODUCTION
thorough assessment, awareness of local resources, and knowledge of state and national laws governing practice. Think about a real-world scenario like the following: You are caring for the wife of a prominent physician who presents with multiple bruises in various stages of healing. Based on your observations, you suspect that she may be a victim of abuse. This scenario highlights the critical need for healthcare providers to navigate challenging situations sensitively and respond appropriately. This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively address domestic violence, promote victim safety, and advocate for necessary support services. Rachel is distressed and realizes that she must initiate a screening for possible domestic violence. Mrs. Michel notices that Rachel is looking at her bruises. Mrs. Michel glances up at Rachel and says, “I am so clumsy. I am taking strenuous exercise and yoga classes and always seem to fall. I bump into things too. I have got to be more careful.” At that moment, Dr. Michel’s voice is heard outside the room. Mrs. Michel immediately begins to breathe more rapidly, and her heart monitor shows a swift increase in heart rate. She pulls her hospital gown tightly around her and appears frightened. Dr. Michel enters the room and takes his wife’s hand. “Well, darling, how are you feeling now?” She responds: “Oh, I am fine, I am. I was at that committee meeting for the hospital’s charity ball and suddenly could not breathe, and my chest hurt. This is because I have been drinking too much caffeine lately. I tried to explain that to everyone at the meeting, but they called 911 before I could stop them. I did not want to come here! Furthermore, I am ready to leave right away!” Mrs. Michel attempts to pull her hand away from her husband’s, but he holds her hand tightly. Finally, Dr. Michel smiles and turns to Rachel. “Thank you so much for taking such good care of my wife, but I think it is best to take her home now.”
Despite reported decreases in domestic violence (DV) rates, its harmful impact on society persists. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with projections indicating a global increase of 20 percent, equating to approximately 15 million additional DV cases (Stanley, 2020). Factors contributing to this surge include heightened isolation, increased stress levels, economic anxiety, joblessness, substance use, and limited access to resources. Recognizing domestic violence as a pressing national healthcare concern, it is imperative for healthcare providers to address this issue proactively. Effectively caring for victims of domestic violence necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the topic, including timely recognition, Case study Rachel is a registered healthcare provider who works in a large community hospital’s emergency department (ED). She is assigned to admit and assess a 36-year-old female whose chief complaints are shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and extreme anxiety. The patient is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. A stat electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood work have been ordered. Her pulse rate is 128 and regular; her respiratory rate is 22; her blood pressure is 150/96. As Rachel begins her assessment, she realizes that the patient is Allison Michel, the wife of a prominent physician, Dr. Andrew Michel. Dr. Michel is a neurosurgeon and is highly respected by his colleagues. Members of the nursing staff have an extremely favorable opinion of Dr. Michel’s skill as a surgeon and his professional interpersonal communication with members of the nursing staff. One RN said, “He respects healthcare providers and treats us like professional colleagues.” Mrs. Michel soon says her chest has stopped hurting and she no longer has trouble breathing. Her ECG shows tachycardia but is otherwise normal, as is her blood work. Her respiratory rate is 14; her heart rate is 100; her blood pressure has decreased to 140/82; her oxygen saturation is 97%. Rachel and the attending ED physician, Dr. Weber, believe Mrs. Michel has had a panic attack. However, there is another worrisome finding. Rachel notes that Mrs. Michel has several bruises over her abdomen and thighs in various stages of healing. There is also a buckle-shaped welt on her back.
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Book Code: MIL1226
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