HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What is one reason that domestic violence is often undetected?

1. Few battered victims seek medical care

2. There is typically a series of minor, vague complaints

3. Expenses due to police and court costs are prohibitive

4. Very little knowledge is currently known about batterers and battering relationships

The correct answer is: There is typically a series of minor, vague complaints

One significant reason domestic violence often goes undetected is that the victims frequently present with a series of minor and vague complaints. This can make it challenging for healthcare professionals, friends, or family members to recognize the underlying issue of abuse. Victims may visit medical facilities for seemingly unrelated symptoms, such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, or minor injuries, which do not immediately suggest violence. The subtlety of these complaints can lead to misdiagnoses or a lack of inquiry about potential abuse, allowing the cycle of violence to continue without detection or intervention. Recognizing the pattern of vague symptoms is crucial for providers to identify and address the possibility of domestic violence effectively.