Violence and Abuse Patterns Flashcards
7 cards from real CFN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Violence and Abuse Patterns flashcards as text
A forensic nurse notices that a patient's described mechanism of injury (tripping on a rug) is inconsistent with the injury pattern observed. The most appropriate action is to:
Answer: Document the discrepancy objectively and assess for IPV using a validated tool
Objective documentation of mechanism-injury discrepancies and validated IPV screening is the appropriate forensic nursing response.
Which injury is characteristically associated with immersion burns from child abuse versus accidental scald injuries?
Answer: Symmetric stocking/glove or doughnut-shaped burns with clear demarcation lines
Forced immersion produces symmetrical, well-demarcated burns in a stocking or glove distribution, unlike the irregular splash patterns of accidental spills.
A perpetrator of intimate partner violence who claims the abuse was caused by alcohol or stress is demonstrating which behavioral pattern?
Answer: Minimization and externalization of blame
Blaming alcohol, stress, or the victim's behavior is a minimization and externalization strategy that abusers use to avoid accountability.
The RADAR mnemonic for IPV screening in clinical settings stands for:
Answer: Routinely screen, Ask directly, Document findings, Assess safety, Review options
RADAR guides clinicians to Routinely screen, Ask directly, Document findings, Assess safety, and Review options with the patient.
In sexual violence cases, which forensic evidence has the longest window for successful collection from the vaginal vault?
Answer: Sperm (spermatozoa)
Spermatozoa can be detected in the vaginal vault for up to 72–120 hours post-assault, making them the longest-surviving direct biological evidence.
Which feature distinguishes stalking from ordinary unwanted contact in a legal and clinical context?
Answer: A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact that causes the victim to fear for their safety
Stalking is legally defined by a pattern of repeated conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.
A forensic nurse observing that a caregiver consistently answers questions on behalf of an elderly patient and prevents private interviews is observing a potential sign of:
Answer: Elder abuse with isolation tactics
Preventing private access to the patient and speaking for them are isolation behaviors consistent with controlling or abusive caregiving.