You are completing a complete health assessment on a patient
and you notice that there are indications that the patient may have been
cutting herself. You inquire about the marks and she states that she fell and
scratched her wrist when she tried to break her fall. How do you handle this
information? Defend your rationale with references (APA format).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a healthcare professional, it is your responsibility to conduct a comprehensive health assessment and provide appropriate care to patients. However, sometimes patients may withhold information or provide false information, which challenges your ability to provide sufficient care. In this scenario, the patient may have been cutting herself, but she denies it and provides an alternative explanation for the marks on her wrist. This answer will provide guidance on how to handle this information and defend the rationales with references.
Answer:
As a healthcare professional, it is essential to approach this situation with sensitivity and empathy. The patient may be experiencing emotional distress, and it is crucial to provide a non-judgmental and safe environment for her to share her concerns. Therefore, after identifying the indications, I would probe further about the patient’s history and potential causes of the scratch marks on her wrist.
If the patient continues to deny the self-harm, it is crucial to respect their decision and acknowledge the alternative explanation provided. However, if the patient admits that they have been cutting themselves, it is essential to provide appropriate treatment, such as counseling and psychological therapy. It is also necessary to ensure the patient’s safety by assessing their risk for suicide or self-harm.
In cases where the patient denies self-harm, but the healthcare professional suspects otherwise, it is essential to maintain a professional attitude and communicate effectively with the patient. The healthcare professional can highlight the importance of trust, honesty, and confidentiality while reassuring the patient that it is their duty to provide the best possible care.
According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), nurses, and other healthcare professionals, have an obligation to protect and advocate for their patients’ welfare (2015). Therefore, it is essential to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to patients who may have a history of self-harm.
In conclusion, handling situations regarding self-harm requires sensitivity, empathy, and effective communication. It is crucial to respect the patient’s decision and provide appropriate treatment while maintaining patient safety and confidentiality. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to promote trust, honesty, and comprehensive care to all patients.
Reference:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses. Nurs Stand, 30(26), 37. doi: 10.7748/ns.30.26.37.s2
