Discussion Post: Mental Health
M.L. is a 15-year-old female who presents to the family planning clinic for her first visit. Prior to seeing the patient, the nurse reads through the initial paperwork and notes that the patient is requesting a pregnancy test and birth control counseling. The nurse calls the patient into the triage room and begins the initial interview and the sexual history assessment. When the nurse inquires about the patient's age of first sexual encounter, the patient becomes upset and starts to cry. The nurse consoles the patient and listens carefully as the patient describes how her father has been sexually abusing her since she was 5 years old. The patient explains that the abuse continues on a weekly basis. The patient also shares that it has been 2 months since her last menstrual cycle, and she is worried that she may be pregnant. M.L. is in a monogamous relationship with her boyfriend of 1 year and is sexually active with this partner.
• How should the nurse proceed with the screening and interview?
• M.L. answers yes to questions 1 through 3 on the AAS (Abuse Assessment Screen). How should the nurse proceed?
• What is the nurse's role in reporting the suspected abuse?
• How would the nurse proceed with the physical examination?
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.