Psychosocial Integrity: Rape-trauma syndrome

Rape is a crime of passion. (T/F)

False, it’s a violent act.

When must psychological care of the rape victim begin?

In the emergency room

Name the 2 phases of Rape Trauma Syndrome.

Disorganization phase, re-organization phase.

Immediately after rape, the person who is calm and composed is adjusting well (T/F)

False, calmness and a composed attitude are signs of Rape Trauma Syndrome, (calm person is just as disorganized as the crying and upset person).

Name the 3 physical s/s of Rape trauma syndrome.

GI irritability

Itching or burning on urination

Skeletal muscle tension don’t forget PAIN

Victims of rape often blame _____________.

Themselves

In the long-term re-organization phase the victim is likely to experience ___________ during sleep.

nightmare

In the long-term re-organization phase the victim has 4 common fears. Name them…

1) Indoors or outdoors (depending on where the rape occurred).

2) Being alone or in crowds

3) People being behind them

4) Sexual fears

Before evidence from the victim’s body can be gathered for rape, __________ _________ must be completed.

Consent forms

Should a same gender staff member be present when the rape victim is being examined?

Always

The rape victim requires only a pelvic exam, and a head-to-toe exam is not done, so the client is not stressed. (T/F)?

False, the exam is very long, invasive head-to-toe exam.

During the exam, the vaginal speculum is lubricated before it is placed in the vagina (T/F)/

False, lubrication could alter the evidence.

What drug is often used to prevent pregnancy after rape?

Kits approved by FDA: Preven (levonorgestrel & ethinyl estradiol) or Plan B: Levonorgestrel (less N & V).

When working w/ a rape victim they should be TXed w/ _________ & _________.

Dignity and respect

After rape, a victim needs follow-up exam/test for ________ ________ _______.

STD’s,. ie: AIDS, gonorrhea, syphilis

After discharge contact w/ the rape victim is maintained via the ___________.

Telephone