CFN Violence and Abuse Patterns 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A forensic nurse notices that a patient's described mechanism of injury (tripping on a rug) is inconsistent with the injury pattern observed. The most appropriate action is to:
- Confront the patient about lying
- Document the discrepancy objectively and assess for IPV using a validated tool (Correct answer)
- Accept the patient's explanation and proceed with treatment
- Alert security and detain the patient
Correct answer: Document the discrepancy objectively and assess for IPV using a validated tool
Objective documentation of mechanism-injury discrepancies and validated IPV screening is the appropriate forensic nursing response.
Question 2: Which injury is characteristically associated with immersion burns from child abuse versus accidental scald injuries?
- Irregular splash patterns on the face
- Symmetric stocking/glove or doughnut-shaped burns with clear demarcation lines (Correct answer)
- Single burn mark on the dorsum of one hand
- Burn in the antecubital fossa
Correct answer: Symmetric stocking/glove or doughnut-shaped burns with clear demarcation lines
Forced immersion produces symmetrical, well-demarcated burns in a stocking or glove distribution, unlike the irregular splash patterns of accidental spills.
Question 3: A perpetrator of intimate partner violence who claims the abuse was caused by alcohol or stress is demonstrating which behavioral pattern?
- Minimization and externalization of blame (Correct answer)
- Genuine remorse and accountability
- Post-traumatic stress response
- Coercive control tactics
Correct answer: Minimization and externalization of blame
Blaming alcohol, stress, or the victim's behavior is a minimization and externalization strategy that abusers use to avoid accountability.
Question 4: The RADAR mnemonic for IPV screening in clinical settings stands for:
- Report, Assess, Document, Advise, Refer
- Routinely screen, Ask directly, Document findings, Assess safety, Review options (Correct answer)
- Review history, Assess injuries, Document, Alert authorities, Refer to shelter
- Risk assessment, Advocacy, Data collection, Action planning, Resources
Correct answer: Routinely screen, Ask directly, Document findings, Assess safety, Review options
RADAR guides clinicians to Routinely screen, Ask directly, Document findings, Assess safety, and Review options with the patient.
Question 5: In sexual violence cases, which forensic evidence has the longest window for successful collection from the vaginal vault?
- Saliva
- Sperm (spermatozoa) (Correct answer)
- Fingernail scrapings
- Touch DNA from skin cells
Correct answer: Sperm (spermatozoa)
Spermatozoa can be detected in the vaginal vault for up to 72–120 hours post-assault, making them the longest-surviving direct biological evidence.
Question 6: Which feature distinguishes stalking from ordinary unwanted contact in a legal and clinical context?
- A single threatening phone call
- A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact that causes the victim to fear for their safety (Correct answer)
- Contact made through a third party on one occasion
- An angry letter sent once after a breakup
Correct answer: A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact that causes the victim to fear for their safety
Stalking is legally defined by a pattern of repeated conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
Question 7: A forensic nurse observing that a caregiver consistently answers questions on behalf of an elderly patient and prevents private interviews is observing a potential sign of:
- Appropriate caregiver advocacy
- Elder abuse with isolation tactics (Correct answer)
- Normal family communication styles
- Caregiver burden without abusive intent
Correct answer: Elder abuse with isolation tactics
Preventing private access to the patient and speaking for them are isolation behaviors consistent with controlling or abusive caregiving.
CFN Violence and Abuse Patterns 5
A forensic nurse notices that a patient's described mechanism of injury (tripping on a rug) is inconsistent with the injury pattern observed.
The most appropriate action is to: