Women sexually abused as children: implications for orthopaedic nursing care

Because an experience of childhood sexual abuse may affect a woman's symptom presentation and response to treatment, it is recommended that orthopaedic nurses be aware of the long-term effects of sexual abuse and inquire about abuse if a patient exhibits problems and symptoms that may be suggestive of an abuse history. Patients in orthopaedic settings who have been sexually abused may have particular difficulty trusting health care providers, undergoing invasive or confining procedures, and tolerating pain or somatic discomfort. Recommended nursing interventions are aimed at establishing a trusting relationship, increasing survivors' sense of personal control and minimizing threatening intrusions, facilitating pain management, and if indicated, referring for psychotherapy.