Question

When a nurse reports abuse, should the accused be able to know the identity of his or her accuser?

N520- Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care

Answer 1

A confidential relationship between health care providers and patient is important .Confidentiality helps creating a set of trust in which a patient can share their private feelings and personal history enabling a physician form a diagnosis.If a nurse suspects abuse first report it to physician ,nurse practitioner or physician assistent .Notifying a supervisor may also be required,depending on the workplace.If the victim is with the suspected abuser ,the examination should take place without that person in the room.a complete head to toe examination should take place ,looking for physical sign of abuse.Through documentation and description of assessment findings as well as patient statements ,non verbal behavior/statements of the suspected abuser should also be included

caregiver documentation should include

physical assessment findings

inconsistencies between injuries and how injuries occured

statements of patient or family

threats of abuse

objective behaviour of patient

name of person/agency to whom verbal report was made

collaborative plan related to safety needs and referrals