Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Implications for Nursing Care

Ashley, a 26-year-old Caucasian woman, walked into the Emergency Department (ED) doubled over with abdominal pain. She also complained of a severe headache and nausea. Her husband of 2 years was present with her, attentive and concerned, helping her walk into the waiting room. The examination identified no medical concerns and she was discharged after 3 hours of observation. Her history included three ED visits in the past 3 years of similar presentation with the same conclusion of no medical diagnoses.