MSN 5550 Health Promotion: Prevention of Disease
Case Study Module 12
Instructions: Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide
evidence-based rationales for your answers. APA, 7th ed. must be followed.
Deadline: Due by Saturday at 23:59 p.m.
CASE STUDY: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: Jessica
Sexual assault includes any type of sexual activity to which an individual does not agree.
Because of the effects of some drugs, commonly called date rape drugs, victims may be
physically helpless, unable to refuse, or even unable to remember what happened. Jessica, a
16-year-old high school sophomore, expresses concern to the school nurse practitioner that she
knows someone who might have had sex “without knowing it.” How can the nurse practitioner
answer these common questions?
Reflective Questions
1. What are date rape drugs and how can a person be unaware that such a drug has been
ingested?
2. What can you do to protect yourself?
3. What do you do if you think you have been sexually assaulted?
4. What can you do when someone you care about has been sexually assaulted?
5. What role does a nurse practitioner play in the care of sexually assaulted patients,
particularly in the adolescent age group?
Sexual assault is a serious crime that can have devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects on victims. Date rape drugs are commonly used in drug-facilitated sexual assault, where victims are unable to resist or remember the assault. In this case study, Jessica, a 16-year-old high school student, expresses concern to the school nurse practitioner that someone she knows might have had sex “without knowing it.” This essay will answer the reflective questions based on evidence-based rationales.
- What are date rape drugs, and how can a person be unaware that such a drug has been ingested?
Date rape drugs are substances used to facilitate sexual assault, often by rendering the victim incapacitated and unable to resist. The most commonly used drugs are gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, and Rohypnol. These drugs are usually colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them difficult to detect when added to a drink. A person may be unaware that they have ingested such drugs if their drink has been spiked without their knowledge or if they have taken the drug voluntarily without understanding the effects.
- What can you do to protect yourself?
To protect oneself from drug-facilitated sexual assault, one should avoid accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended. If possible, bring your drink with you to the bathroom or have a trusted friend watch it. It is also important to be aware of the signs of intoxication, such as confusion, dizziness, or loss of coordination, and to trust your instincts if you feel something is not right. If you suspect that your drink has been spiked, do not drink it and seek help immediately.
- What do you do if you think you have been sexually assaulted?
If you think you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not have visible injuries. You should also report the assault to the police and seek support from a trusted friend or family member. Evidence collection, including DNA testing and medical examination, is crucial in the early stages of an investigation, and delay may reduce the likelihood of prosecution.
- What can you do when someone you care about has been sexually assaulted?
If someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, it is important to offer support and understanding without judgment. Listen to their account of what happened and encourage them to seek medical attention and report the assault to the police. Offer to accompany them to the hospital or police station if they wish. It is also important to remind them that they are not to blame for what happened and that they deserve support and care.
- What role does a nurse practitioner play in the care of sexually assaulted patients, particularly in the adolescent age group?
Nurse practitioners play a critical role in the care of sexually assaulted patients, particularly in the adolescent age group. They are often the first healthcare provider that victims encounter after an assault and can provide medical care, emotional support, and guidance on reporting the assault to the police. Nurse practitioners can also provide information on preventive measures and community resources for ongoing support. In addition, they can ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up care, such as STI testing and counseling, and connect them with additional resources as needed.
In conclusion, drug-facilitated sexual assault is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for victims. To protect oneself, it is important to be aware of the signs of intoxication and to trust your instincts if something feels wrong. If you suspect that you or someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, seek medical attention and support immediately, and report the assault to the police. Nurse practitioners play a critical role in the care of sexually assaulted patients and can provide essential medical care, emotional support, and guidance on reporting the assault and accessing resources