The nurse suspects that a client is a victim of intimate partner violence. What should the nurse be alert to when assessing this client?

A. The client is financially independent of the abuser: Victims of intimate partner violence are often financially dependent, which contributes to their inability to leave the relationship. Financial independence usually lowers vulnerability, making this less characteristic. B. The client believes they can make the relationship work: While some victims may hold on to hope for change, this belief is not the most reliable indicator of intimate partner violence. It can occur in many strained relationships without abuse being present. C. The client acknowledges use of alcohol in the home: Substance use can increase the risk of violence, but its presence does not confirm intimate partner violence. Alcohol may be a factor, yet it is not a defining assessment finding. D. The client minimizes the injury or abuse: Minimization or denial of abuse is a common coping mechanism in victims of intimate partner violence. Fear, shame, and dependence often lead clients to downplay the severity of their injuries, making this a key assessment clue.