Page 130 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

bruises, sprains or broken bones, chronic fatigue,
shortness of breath, muscle tension, involuntary
shaking, changes in eating and sleeping patterns,
sexual dysfunction, and fertility issues.
3. Mental health issues can arise, including post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, anxiety,
uncontrollable thoughts, depression, anxiety, low self-
esteem, and alcohol and drug abuse.
4. Feelings of hopelessness, lack of worth, apprehension,
discouragement, inability to trust others, questioning
spiritual faith, and lack of motivation are common.
5. Children who witness violence are prone to
fearfulness, anxiety, depression, and problems in
school.

F. Health care considerations for battered individuals and

victims of abuse or neglect
1. Treat victims with compassion and respect.
2. Acknowledge and respect the dignity of each person.
3. It may be necessary to take photographs of injuries for
legal reasons.
4. Nurses are mandated reporters of domestic violence
and abuse incidents.
5. Cleaning and dressing wounds, administering pain
medications, use of assistive devices such as for
sprains or fractures, education for self-management
and seeking safety, and emotional support may be
needed in the care of these victims.
6. Provide parental education and support programs and
increase awareness of potential child maltreatment.
IX. Single Parents
A. Women are usually the single parent.
B. Single parenthood places individuals at increased risk for
disability and resultant poor health later in life.
C. These individuals may be living in poverty and may be less likely
to have health insurance coverage.
D. Children may also be afflicted by health problems when raised by
a single parent.
E. Risk factors
1. Single parents are at increased risk for cardiovascular
events, mental health problems, and overall increased
mortality.
2. Children growing up in a single-parent household
may be at increased risk for dropping out of school,
be idle in school, have lower grade point averages,
have lower aspiration for higher education, and
experience poorer attendance in school.

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