Question

A nurse is conducting a home health visit with a client who reports a history of partner violence. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings places the client at greater risk for partner violence?

A) The client states they feel safe in their relationship.
B) The client reports increased emotional support from their partner.
C) The client states they are leaving their partner.
D) The client reports improved communication with their partner.

Answer 1

A client stating they are leaving their partner places them at greater risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Studies have shown that the period around separation can lead to increased conflict, making it a high-risk situation for IPV.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining which finding places a client at greater risk for partner violence, it's important to recognize high-risk situations identified in research and practice. The question asks which of the following findings places the client at greater risk for intimate partner violence (IPV):

• The client states they feel safe in their relationship.
• The client reports increased emotional support from their partner.
• The client states they are leaving their partner.
• The client reports improved communication with their partner.

Research has shown that individuals are at a higher risk of abuse when they are separated or planning to separate from their partners. Stets and Straus (1990) and other researchers like Benson and Fox (2004) found that conflict is typically higher in relationships where separation occurs, and the rate of IPV is higher for those in low-income disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the situation most associated with an increased risk of partner violence is when a client is planning to leave their partner, as per the findings of several studies, including Carlson, Harris, and Holden (1999) which suggest that the period surrounding separation can be a time of increased danger for IPV.