Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

During the diagnosis phase, what does the forensic nurse analyze?

1. Patient's financial status

2. Assessment data to determine actual or potential diagnoses

3. Social relationships of the patient

4. Patient's educational background

The correct answer is: Assessment data to determine actual or potential diagnoses

During the diagnosis phase, the forensic nurse focuses on analyzing assessment data to identify actual or potential diagnoses. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's physical and psychological condition, including symptoms, history, and any relevant information gathered during the assessment. By examining this data, forensic nurses can determine the presence of specific health issues, which is crucial for forming an effective care plan and initiating appropriate interventions. In forensic nursing, this analysis is particularly important as it may inform not only the patient's health status but also any implications that may pertain to criminal cases or legal proceedings. This helps in building a detailed picture of the patient's situation, which is essential for both medical and legal contexts. Understanding the medical ramifications of the injuries and the overall health of the patient can impact legal investigations and support the delivery of justice. Therefore, this focus on assessment data plays a vital role in ensuring that all relevant factors influencing the patient's condition are considered in the diagnostic process.