Question

Identify three areas to assess when working with a person who has been sexually assaulted. Formulate two long-term outcomes and two short-term goals for the nursing diagnosis of the posttrauma syndrome.

Answer 1

Signs of sexual abuse in an adult include the following:

Physical symptoms

• Contusions and abrasions over various parts of the body
• Headache, fatigue, sleep pattern disturbance
• Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
• vaginal discharge and itching, burning on urination, rectal bleeding and pain

Psychosocial symptoms

• Rage, humiliation, embarrasement, desire for revenge, self blame
• Fear of physical violence and death
• Confusion, suicide attempts, mood swings
• loss of self-esteem
• Impaired decision making
• powerlessness, helplessness, dependence

Impaired interpersonal relationships

Disorganisation,change in reationship, anger, anxiety, depression, substance abuse

Short-term goals

Clent's physical wounds will heal without complications

Long-term goals

The client will begin a healthy grief resolution, initiating the process of physical and psychological healing time

Interventions

1.The women who has been sexually assaulted fears for her life and must be reassured of her safety. She may be also overwhelmed with self-doubt and self-blame. Hence it is important to communicate the following statements to the client who are sexually assaulted

• You are safe here
• I'm sorry that it happened
• I'm glad that you survived
• It's not your fault. No one desreves to be treated this way
• You did the best that you could

These statements instill trust and validate self worth

2.Explain every procedure that has been conducted and why it has been conducted. Ensure that data collection is conducted in a caring and non-judgemental manner to decrease fear and anxiety and increase trust

3.Encourage the client to give an account of the asault. Listen, but do not probe. Non-judgemental listening provides catharsis that the client needs to begin healing. A detailed account may be required for legal follow-up, and a caring nurse as client advocate, may help to lessen the trauma of evidence collection