A 22-year-old client arrives at the emergency department and reports being sexually assaulted 2 hours ago. The client is tearful and states, 'I just want to go home.' Which nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.
Select All That Apply
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Offering a sexual assault nurse examiner provides specialized, trauma-informed care and preserves evidence properly. Obtaining verbal consent before any touch respects the client's autonomy and reinforces safety, a core principle of trauma-informed care. Providing advocacy and counseling resources supports the client's ongoing emotional needs and empowers informed decision-making. Asking the client to describe the assault in detail can be retraumatizing and is not required for initial care; a brief medical history suffices. A physical examination is not mandatory; the client has the right to decline any part of the exam. Allowing the client to shower or change clothes before evidence collection can destroy forensic evidence and should be delayed until after the examination if the client consents to evidence collection.