HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Following a violent incident, how may a batterer respond to their partner's injuries?

1. Seeking medical help for the victim's injuries

2. Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries

3. Contacting a close friend and asking for help

4. Being very remorseful and assisting the victim with medical care

The correct answer is: Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries

The correct answer highlights a common psychological and behavioral response seen in batterers following an incident of violence. Minimizing the episode and underestimating the victim's injuries reflects the way some abusers might cope with their actions. This response often stems from a need to maintain a sense of control and to avoid facing the consequences of their behavior. By downplaying the severity of the situation, the batterer may attempt to shift responsibility away from themselves and justify their actions. This behavior can be indicative of various underlying issues, such as denial or a deeply ingrained pattern of abusive behavior, which allows them to rationalize their actions instead of confronting the reality of the harm caused. It can also contribute to a cycle of abuse, as minimizing the incident reinforces the idea that such behaviors are acceptable or not serious. In contrast, seeking medical help or expressing remorse would typically imply acknowledgment of the victim's pain and a desire to remedy the situation, which are not common responses from a batterer who is exhibiting abusive behavior. Similarly, contacting a friend for help suggests an openness to seeking support and recognizing the serious nature of the incident, which does not align with the minimizing behavior typical of many batterers.