Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect
Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect ( 8 Questions)
A nurse is conducting a home visit for a 4-year-old child who has developmental delays and behavioral problems. The nurse observes that the child's parents often yell at him, call him names, and threaten to punish him harshly for minor mistakes. The child appears withdrawn, fearful, and insecure around his parents. What statement by the nurse would be most appropriate to address this situation?
Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be accusatory, confrontational, and threatening to the parents. This may provoke anger or defensiveness from the parents, and worsen the situation for the child. The nurse should report the suspected emotional abuse to the appropriate authorities, but not disclose this to the parents.
Reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate, as it would be empathetic, nonjudgmental, and supportive to the parents. This may help the nurse establish rapport and trust with the parents, and explore their feelings and needs. The nurse may also use this opportunity to provide education and resources to the parents on positive parenting strategies and stress management.
Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be false, misleading, and enabling to the parents. The nurse should not praise or reinforce the parents' abusive behavior, as this may encourage them to continue or escalate it. The nurse should also not minimize or ignore the child's emotional distress.
Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be critical, blunt, and confrontational to the parents. This may cause guilt or shame in the parents, and damage the therapeutic relationship with the nurse. The nurse should not lecture or scold the parents, but rather use open-ended questions and reflective listening to help them understand the impact of their behavior on their child.
Choice A Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be accusatory, confrontational, and threatening to the parents. This may provoke anger or defensiveness from the parents, and worsen the situation for the child. The nurse should report the suspected emotional abuse to the appropriate authorities, but not disclose this to the parents.
Choice B Reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate, as it would be empathetic, nonjudgmental, and supportive to the parents. This may help the nurse establish rapport and trust with the parents, and explore their feelings and needs. The nurse may also use this opportunity to provide education and resources to the parents on positive parenting strategies and stress management.
Choice C Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be false, misleading, and enabling to the parents. The nurse should not praise or reinforce the parents' abusive behavior, as this may encourage them to continue or escalate it. The nurse should also not minimize or ignore the child's emotional distress.
Choice D Reason: This statement by the nurse would be inappropriate, as it would be critical, blunt, and confrontational to the parents. This may cause guilt or shame in the parents, and damage the therapeutic relationship with the nurse. The nurse should not lecture or scold the parents, but rather use open-ended questions and reflective listening to help them understand the impact of their behavior on their child.