Vulnerable Populations, Sexual Assault, IPV, Human Trafficking, Incarcerated Patients, Eating Disorders, and Caring for Sexual Minority Women – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering vulnerable populations, sexual assault care, IPV, human trafficking, incarcerated patients, eating disorders, and care of sexual minority women.

Vulnerable populations

Groups that often receive poor or infrequent care; may withhold information due to circumstances; may lack resources; require respectful care, dignity, and compassion.

Sexual violence

Unwanted sexual experiences, unwanted sexual contact, and sexual coercion.

SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

A nurse with specialized training in interviewing and collecting evidence after sexual assault.

Mandated reporters

Professionals required by law to report suspected abuse or assault; requirements vary by state.

72-hour sexual assault exam window

Ideal time frame to conduct a sexual assault examination after the assault.

Post-assault personal hygiene history

Documentation of personal hygiene activities since the assault (e.g., showering).

Circumstances of the assault

Details about how the assault occurred.

Loss of consciousness or memory

Whether the victim lost consciousness or has memory gaps related to the assault.

Specifics of the assault

Details of sexual contact (oral, anal, vaginal), ejaculation, and condom use.

Other areas of trauma

Observation of any additional physical trauma beyond the sexual assault.

Bleeding after assault

Bleeding reported by the victim or observed on examination.

Recent consensual sex

Inquiry into recent consensual sexual activity to differentiate from assault.

Nonjudgmental interviewing

Approach that avoids victim blaming or judgment during interviews.

Emergency contraception

Contraception given as soon as possible after assault to prevent pregnancy.

Incubation period

Time between exposure to an infection and when it becomes detectable by a test.

Pregnancy testing after assault

Testing timing; immediate tests may be negative; pregnancy tests are advised if a period is missed 2–3 weeks after the assault.

STI prophylaxis after assault

Empiric treatment for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis due to high risk and potential loss to follow-up.

Hepatitis B management after assault

Testing for hepatitis B immunity and providing vaccine or immune globulin if needed.

HIV nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP)

Antiretroviral therapy started after nonoccupational HIV exposure; most effective within 4 hours; not effective after 72 hours; lasts 28 days.

HIV and syphilis testing windows

Testing recommended at 4–6 weeks and 3 months after the assault.

HPV vaccine for survivors

HPV vaccination recommended for survivors aged 9–26, unless previously received.

Mental health services for survivors

Offering mental health services to all survivors of sexual assault.

RAINN

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; resources at rainn.org.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Any actual or threatened psychological, sexual, or physical harm by a current or past partner.

IPV prevalence

Approximately 1 in 10 males and 1 in 4 females experience IPV in their lifetimes.

Power and control in IPV

A feature where one partner has power over another; trust is critical; disclosure may take several encounters.

Safety planning for IPV

Strategies to reduce risk of escalating violence; may include emergency kit or shelter information; risk if information is discovered by the abuser.

IPV mandated reporting

Reporting requirements for IPV vary by state and situation.

IPV documentation

Documentation should include physical findings and the patient’s report of abuse.

IPV escalation risk factors

Escalation risk when leaving the relationship, seeking help, feelings of fear for life, suicidal/homicidal thoughts, threats with weapons, or abusive behavior outside the home.

Helpful statements for IPV disclosure

Examples like: “I am so sorry this is happening,” “This is not your fault,” “I can help connect you with resources,” “You are not alone.”

Red flags for human trafficking

Inconsistent history; hesitancy to answer questions; lack of privacy; controlling relationships; fearful or nervous behavior; limited identification or knowledge of location; lack of money control.

Human trafficking

Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud, or deception for exploitation; millions affected worldwide.

Confidentiality and documentation in trafficking cases

Documentation careful and confidential; victims may not recognize themselves as victims; protect safety.

Incarcerated patient

Female patients who are incarcerated; required pregnancy testing on intake; care should be equivalent; logistical barriers and higher pregnancy complication risk.

Intrapartum care for incarcerated patients

Shackles increase fall risk; a corrections officer may be present in the room.

Postpartum care for incarcerated patients

Limited on-site infant care; infants often placed with family or foster care; contraception discussion; high relapse pregnancy rates after release.

Pre-release follow-up

Planning follow-up appointments before release to avoid gaps in care.

Anorexia nervosa

Disorder diagnosed by calorie restriction below maintenance; intense fear of weight gain; distorted body image; treated with psychotherapy and nutritional rehabilitation.

Amenorrhea

Loss of the menstrual cycle due to neuroendocrine changes and low estrogen.

Lanugo

Soft, downy hair growth on the body that provides insulation.

Bulimia nervosa

Recurrent binge eating with inappropriate compensatory behaviors (purging, excessive exercise, or laxatives) at least weekly for 3 months; often co-occurs with other disorders.

Binge eating disorder

Recurrent binge eating without compensatory behaviors; typically defined as 2,000 calories or more in 2 hours, at least weekly for 3 months.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; first-line pharmacotherapy for bulimia nervosa and related conditions.

Purging complications

Dental problems, parotid gland swelling, esophagitis, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and related issues.

Parotid gland swelling

Swelling of the salivary glands (chipmunk cheeks) associated with purging.

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus due to gastric acid exposure from vomiting.

Sexual minority women (SMW)

Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, gay, or polyamorous.

Preferred pronouns

Using an individual’s preferred pronouns (he, she, ze) and apologizing if the pronoun is used incorrectly.

Inclusive language in healthcare

Avoid gendered terms when possible; use 'partner' instead of 'husband/wife'; refer to the patient as 'patient' until pronouns are clear.

Transgender

Gender identity that differs from the sex assigned at birth.