Question

The nurse working at a women's health clinic is seeing a teenage female patient who has come in for a refill on her birth control medication and with a complaint of abdominal pain. When the nurse enters the room, the patient is sitting in the chair with her head down, rocking back and forth, does not make eye contact, and answers questions with no expression on her face. What assessment question would be important for the nurse to ask the patient? 1) What brings you to the clinic today? 2) What can we do to help you today? 3) Do you feel safe in your current relationship? 4) Have you changed your diet lately?

Answer 1

A key assessment question for the nurse to ask the teenage female patient at a women's health clinic, who presents with abdominal pain and nonverbal cues suggesting distress, is "Do you feel safe in your current relationship?".

Step-by-step explanation:

When faced with a patient like the teenage female at the women's health clinic, the nurse's assessment should focus on both physical and emotional well-being. Given the patient's nonverbal cues and presentation, an important assessment question for the nurse to ask would be, "Do you feel safe in your current relationship?" This question is critical as it addresses potential underlying issues of safety, emotional distress or abuse that might be related to the patient's physical symptoms and demeanor.The patient's behavior, such as avoiding eye contact, rocking back and forth, and answering questions without expression, may indicate signs of emotional distress or potential abuse. Asking about the patient's safety in her relationship can help the nurse assess for possible domestic violence or other issues that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms and mental state. This question can provide an opportunity for the patient to disclose any concerns or seek help if needed.

Her behavior of rocking back and forth, lack of eye contact, and expressionless responses could indicate psychological distress or trauma, which might be linked to an abusive relationship. A thorough and sensitive approach to inquiring about personal safety can help the healthcare provider uncover important information that may require immediate action or further investigation.

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