The nurse is completing a family assessment for a victim of intimate partner violence. Which characteristic of the abuser will the nurse identify when completing the assessment?

The correct answer is c. Beneficence.

Choice A: Autonomy

Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives and bodies. In the context of nursing, it means respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. However, in the case of seclusion due to loud and intrusive behavior, the primary concern is not about the patient’s decision-making capacity but rather the safety and well-being of the patient and others on the unit.

Choice B: Justice

Justice is the ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality. It involves ensuring that patients are treated fairly and that resources are distributed equitably. While justice is important in healthcare, it does not directly address the appropriateness of seclusion in response to disruptive behavior.

Choice C: Beneficence

Beneficence is the ethical principle that focuses on doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. It involves taking actions that promote the well-being of patients and prevent harm. In the context of seclusion, beneficence guides the nurse to consider whether secluding the patient will prevent harm to the patient and others, thereby promoting overall safety and well-being.

Choice D: Veracity

Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling and honesty. It involves providing accurate and truthful information to patients. While veracity is crucial in building trust between healthcare providers and patients, it does not directly relate to the decision of whether to use seclusion for managing disruptive behavior.

Explanation: When completing a family assessment for a victim of intimate partner violence, the nurse may identify characteristics of the abuser that contribute to the abusive behavior. Among the options provided, "Needy and possessive of the partner" is the characteristic of the abuser. Abusers often display controlling behavior, which includes possessiveness and excessive need for control over their partners. This possessiveness may manifest as jealousy, isolation, and an attempt to limit the victim's freedom and independence.

A. An ability to feel remorse for the abuse - This characteristic is less likely to be present in an abuser. Abusers often exhibit a lack of remorse for their abusive behavior and may blame the victim or external factors for their actions.

C. An inflated sense of self-esteem - While some abusers may exhibit arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance, it is not a defining characteristic of all abusers.

D. Encourages the partner to have a life outside the intimate relationship - Abusers typically do the opposite; they often seek to isolate their victims from their support systems and limit their social interactions outside the abusive relationship.