Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Care Flashcards

In trauma care, the nurse suspects intimate partner violence (IPV). Which approach is most appropriate?

Answer: Screen the patient privately using a validated tool, and provide resources regardless of disclosure

Universal private screening with validated tools ensures patient safety and provides resources without coercion, regardless of whether violence is disclosed.

A patient is brought in after a suicide attempt by drug overdose. After medical stabilization, which nursing action is the priority?

Answer: Ensure one-to-one observation, remove harmful objects from the environment, and initiate a psychiatric consultation

After medical stabilization, immediate safety measures—constant observation, environmental safety, psychiatric evaluation—are the nursing priority.

Which factor is the strongest risk indicator for completed suicide in a trauma patient?

Answer: A previous suicide attempt

A prior suicide attempt is the single strongest predictor of future completed suicide.

A trauma patient refuses a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The nurse's most appropriate action is:

Answer: Document the refusal, notify the physician and ethics team, ensure the patient has decision-making capacity, and explore alternative treatments

A competent adult has the right to refuse treatment; the nurse must document, communicate, verify capacity, and work within ethical and legal frameworks.

In pediatric trauma, which behavioral finding should alert the trauma nurse to possible child abuse?

Answer: Injuries inconsistent with the developmental stage or the history provided by caregivers

Injuries that don't match the caregiver's explanation or the child's developmental ability are the most important red flags for non-accidental trauma.

Which professional resource is most appropriate for a trauma nurse experiencing signs of secondary traumatic stress?

Answer: Access the hospital's employee assistance program (EAP) and seek peer support or professional counseling

EAP services and peer support programs are specifically designed to help healthcare workers manage secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue.