Chapter 05: Violence Against Women
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the primary theme of the feminist perspective regarding violence against women?
a. Role of testosterone as the underlying cause of men’s violent behavior
b. Basic human instinctual drive toward aggression
c. Male dominance and coercive control over women
d. Cultural norm of violence in Western society
ANS: C
The contemporary social view of violence is derived from the feminist theory. With the
primary theme of male dominance and coercive control, this view enhances an
understanding of all forms of violence against women, including wife battering, stranger and
acquaintance rape, incest, and sexual harassment in the workplace. The role of testosterone
as an underlying cause of men’s violent behavior, the basic human instinctual drive toward
aggression, and the cultural norm of violence in Western society are not associated with the
feminist perspective regarding violence against women.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which trait is least likely to be displayed by a woman experiencing intimate partner
violence (IPV)?
a. Social isolation NURSINGTB.COM
b. Assertive personality
c. Reoccurring depression
d. Dependent personality
ANS: B
Every segment of society is represented among women who are suffering abuse. However,
traits of assertiveness, independence, and willingness to take a stand have been documented
as more characteristic of women who are in nonviolent relationships. Women who are
financially more dependent have fewer resources and support systems, exhibit symptoms of
depression, and are more often seen as victims.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A woman who is 6 months pregnant has sought medical attention, saying she fell down the
stairs. What scenario would cause an emergency department nurse to suspect that the
woman has been a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV)?
a. The woman and her partner are having an argument that is loud and hostile.
b. The woman has injuries on various parts of her body that are in different stages of
healing.
c. Examination reveals a fractured arm and fresh bruises.
d. She avoids making eye contact and is hesitant to answer questions.
, ANS: B
The client may have multiple injuries in various stages of healing that indicates a pattern of
violence. An argument is not always an indication of battering. A fractured arm and fresh
bruises could be caused by the reported fall and do not necessarily indicate IPV. It may be
normal for the woman to be reticent and have a dull affect.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
4. Intervention for the sexual abuse survivor is often not attempted by maternity and women’s
health nurses because of the concern about increasing the distress of the woman and the lack
of expertise in counseling. What initial intervention is appropriate and most important in
facilitating the woman’s care?
a. Initiating a referral to an expert counselor
b. Setting limits on what the client discloses
c. Listening and encouraging therapeutic communication skills
d. Acknowledging the nurse’s discomfort to the client as an expression of empathy
ANS: C
The survivor needs support on many different levels, and a women’s health nurse may be
the first person to whom she relates her story. Therapeutic communication skills and
listening are initial interventions. Referring this client to a counselor is an appropriate
measure but not the most important initial intervention. A client should be allowed to
disclose any information she feels the need to discuss. A nurse should provide a safe
environment in which she can do so. Either verbal or nonverbal shock and horror reactions
from the nurse are particularly devastating. Professional demeanor and professional
empathy are essential. NURSINGTB.COM
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
5. A young woman arrives at the emergency department and states that she thinks she has been
raped. She is sobbing and expresses disbelief that this could happen because the perpetrator
was a very close friend. Which statement is most appropriate nursing response?
a. “Rape is not limited to strangers and frequently occurs by someone who is known
to the victim.”
b. “I would be very upset if my best friend did that to me; that is very unusual.”
c. “You must feel very betrayed. In what way do you think you might have led him
on?”
d. “This does not sound like rape. Didn’t you just change your mind about having sex
after the fact?”
ANS: A
, Acquaintance rape involves individuals who know one another. Sexual assault occurs when
the trust of a relationship is violated. Victims may be less prone to recognize what is
happening to them because the dynamics are different from those of stranger rape. It is not
at all unusual for the victim to know and trust the perpetrator. Stating that the woman might
have led the man to attack her indicates that the sexual assault was somehow the victim’s
fault. This type of mentality is not constructive. Nurses must first reflect on their own
feelings and learn to be unbiased when dealing with victims. A statement of this type can be
very psychologically damaging to the victim. Nurses must display compassion by first
believing what the victim states. The nurse is not responsible for deciphering the facts
involving the victim’s claim.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
6. Nurses are often the first health care professional with whom a woman comes into contact
after being sexually assaulted. Which statement best describes the initial care of a rape
victim?
a. All legal evidence is preserved during the physical examination.
b. The victim appreciates the legal information; however, decides not to pursue legal
proceedings.
c. The victim states that she is going to advocate against sexual violence.
d. The victim leaves the health care facility without feeling re-victimized.
ANS: D
Nurses can assist clients through an examination that is as nontraumatic as possible with
kindness, skill, and empathy. The initial care of the victim affects her recovery and decision
to receive follow-up care. PNreUsR
ervSaI
tioNnGof B
al.
l lC
egaM
l evidence is very important; however, this
may not be the best measure in terms of evaluating the care of a rape victim. Offering legal
information is not the best measure of evaluating the care that this victim received. The
victim may well decide not to pursue legal proceedings. Advocating against sexual violence
may be extremely therapeutic for the client after her initial recovery but not a measure of
evaluating her care.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
7. When the nurse is alone with a battered client, the client seems extremely anxious and says,
“It was all my fault. The house was so messy when he got home, and I know he hates that.”
What is the most suitable response by the nurse?
a. “No one deserves to be hurt. It’s not your fault. How can I help you?”
b. “What else do you do that makes him angry enough to hurt you?”
c. “He will never find out what we talk about. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you.”
d. “You have to remember that he is frustrated and angry, so he takes it out on you.”
ANS: A
The nurse should stress that the client is not at fault. Asking what the client did to make her
husband angry is placing the blame on the woman and would be an inappropriate statement.
The nurse should not provide false reassurance. To assist the woman, the nurse should be
honest. Often the batterer will find out about the conversation.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the primary theme of the feminist perspective regarding violence against women?
a. Role of testosterone as the underlying cause of men’s violent behavior
b. Basic human instinctual drive toward aggression
c. Male dominance and coercive control over women
d. Cultural norm of violence in Western society
ANS: C
The contemporary social view of violence is derived from the feminist theory. With the
primary theme of male dominance and coercive control, this view enhances an
understanding of all forms of violence against women, including wife battering, stranger and
acquaintance rape, incest, and sexual harassment in the workplace. The role of testosterone
as an underlying cause of men’s violent behavior, the basic human instinctual drive toward
aggression, and the cultural norm of violence in Western society are not associated with the
feminist perspective regarding violence against women.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which trait is least likely to be displayed by a woman experiencing intimate partner
violence (IPV)?
a. Social isolation NURSINGTB.COM
b. Assertive personality
c. Reoccurring depression
d. Dependent personality
ANS: B
Every segment of society is represented among women who are suffering abuse. However,
traits of assertiveness, independence, and willingness to take a stand have been documented
as more characteristic of women who are in nonviolent relationships. Women who are
financially more dependent have fewer resources and support systems, exhibit symptoms of
depression, and are more often seen as victims.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A woman who is 6 months pregnant has sought medical attention, saying she fell down the
stairs. What scenario would cause an emergency department nurse to suspect that the
woman has been a victim of intimate partner violence (IPV)?
a. The woman and her partner are having an argument that is loud and hostile.
b. The woman has injuries on various parts of her body that are in different stages of
healing.
c. Examination reveals a fractured arm and fresh bruises.
d. She avoids making eye contact and is hesitant to answer questions.
, ANS: B
The client may have multiple injuries in various stages of healing that indicates a pattern of
violence. An argument is not always an indication of battering. A fractured arm and fresh
bruises could be caused by the reported fall and do not necessarily indicate IPV. It may be
normal for the woman to be reticent and have a dull affect.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
4. Intervention for the sexual abuse survivor is often not attempted by maternity and women’s
health nurses because of the concern about increasing the distress of the woman and the lack
of expertise in counseling. What initial intervention is appropriate and most important in
facilitating the woman’s care?
a. Initiating a referral to an expert counselor
b. Setting limits on what the client discloses
c. Listening and encouraging therapeutic communication skills
d. Acknowledging the nurse’s discomfort to the client as an expression of empathy
ANS: C
The survivor needs support on many different levels, and a women’s health nurse may be
the first person to whom she relates her story. Therapeutic communication skills and
listening are initial interventions. Referring this client to a counselor is an appropriate
measure but not the most important initial intervention. A client should be allowed to
disclose any information she feels the need to discuss. A nurse should provide a safe
environment in which she can do so. Either verbal or nonverbal shock and horror reactions
from the nurse are particularly devastating. Professional demeanor and professional
empathy are essential. NURSINGTB.COM
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
5. A young woman arrives at the emergency department and states that she thinks she has been
raped. She is sobbing and expresses disbelief that this could happen because the perpetrator
was a very close friend. Which statement is most appropriate nursing response?
a. “Rape is not limited to strangers and frequently occurs by someone who is known
to the victim.”
b. “I would be very upset if my best friend did that to me; that is very unusual.”
c. “You must feel very betrayed. In what way do you think you might have led him
on?”
d. “This does not sound like rape. Didn’t you just change your mind about having sex
after the fact?”
ANS: A
, Acquaintance rape involves individuals who know one another. Sexual assault occurs when
the trust of a relationship is violated. Victims may be less prone to recognize what is
happening to them because the dynamics are different from those of stranger rape. It is not
at all unusual for the victim to know and trust the perpetrator. Stating that the woman might
have led the man to attack her indicates that the sexual assault was somehow the victim’s
fault. This type of mentality is not constructive. Nurses must first reflect on their own
feelings and learn to be unbiased when dealing with victims. A statement of this type can be
very psychologically damaging to the victim. Nurses must display compassion by first
believing what the victim states. The nurse is not responsible for deciphering the facts
involving the victim’s claim.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
6. Nurses are often the first health care professional with whom a woman comes into contact
after being sexually assaulted. Which statement best describes the initial care of a rape
victim?
a. All legal evidence is preserved during the physical examination.
b. The victim appreciates the legal information; however, decides not to pursue legal
proceedings.
c. The victim states that she is going to advocate against sexual violence.
d. The victim leaves the health care facility without feeling re-victimized.
ANS: D
Nurses can assist clients through an examination that is as nontraumatic as possible with
kindness, skill, and empathy. The initial care of the victim affects her recovery and decision
to receive follow-up care. PNreUsR
ervSaI
tioNnGof B
al.
l lC
egaM
l evidence is very important; however, this
may not be the best measure in terms of evaluating the care of a rape victim. Offering legal
information is not the best measure of evaluating the care that this victim received. The
victim may well decide not to pursue legal proceedings. Advocating against sexual violence
may be extremely therapeutic for the client after her initial recovery but not a measure of
evaluating her care.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
7. When the nurse is alone with a battered client, the client seems extremely anxious and says,
“It was all my fault. The house was so messy when he got home, and I know he hates that.”
What is the most suitable response by the nurse?
a. “No one deserves to be hurt. It’s not your fault. How can I help you?”
b. “What else do you do that makes him angry enough to hurt you?”
c. “He will never find out what we talk about. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you.”
d. “You have to remember that he is frustrated and angry, so he takes it out on you.”
ANS: A
The nurse should stress that the client is not at fault. Asking what the client did to make her
husband angry is placing the blame on the woman and would be an inappropriate statement.
The nurse should not provide false reassurance. To assist the woman, the nurse should be
honest. Often the batterer will find out about the conversation.
