Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is a common presenting problem of a woman seeking medical help that suggests abuse?

1. Acute pain without a history

2. Seeking treatment after a delay

3. Frequent visits without symptoms

4. Consistent medication requests

The correct answer is: Seeking treatment after a delay

A woman seeking medical help after a delay in treatment can suggest underlying issues related to abuse. This delay might indicate an attempt to hide injuries or alleviate fear of the abuser. In abusive situations, victims often experience a range of emotions, including shame or fear that may prevent them from seeking timely help. The fact that they eventually present to a healthcare provider can be a telling sign that something is profoundly wrong, particularly when coupled with other behavioral indicators that are often seen in victims of abuse, such as reluctance to explain injuries or inconsistent stories about how injuries occurred. Other presenting problems might occur for various reasons, such as acute pain arising from a non-abuse-related medical issue, frequent visits without symptoms that could align more with chronic health issues rather than abuse, or numerous requests for medication which may point to medication management issues rather than directly suggesting abuse. Each of these concerns can arise in different situations, making the delayed presentation a more significant flag for potential abuse history.