A nurse in an emergency department is performing an assessment on a client who reports being sexually assaulted. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Ask the client for permission to take photographs.
Provide community sexual assault support contacts.
Document the client's verbatim statements.
Determine any physical signs of injury.
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: c. Document the client's verbatim statements.
Here's why the other options are wrong:
- a. Ask the client for permission to take photographs: While photographs may be collected as evidence later, it should not be the first priority. The priority is to focus on patient care and emotional well-being.
- b. Provide community sexual assault support contacts: Offering support resources is important, but documenting the details of the assault is crucial for forensic and legal purposes, and should come first.
- d. Determine any physical signs of injury: Looking for physical injuries is important, but documenting the client's account should come first. This ensures the client's narrative is captured accurately and can be referred to later.
Documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most important initial action because:
- It preserves the client's account of the assault in their own words.
- It allows for accurate reporting and investigation.
- It can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Here are some supporting points:
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): "Law enforcement will need to take a detailed statement about the assault, and a medical professional will likely perform a physical exam. Be prepared to answer questions about what happened." [1]
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: "Law enforcement will want to get a statement from you as soon as possible after the assault. Try to remember the details of the assault as clearly as you can." [2]
In conclusion, while all the other options are important aspects of caring for a sexual assault survivor, documenting the client's verbatim statements is the most critical initial action for a nurse to take in the emergency department setting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. A child whose parents answer questions for the child.
Choice A rationale:A child with a BMI indicating obesity is not necessarily a sign of abuse. Obesity can result from various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. While it is important to address obesity for the child’s health, it does not directly indicate abuse.
Choice B rationale:A child who uses the call light frequently may be seeking attention or reassurance, but this behavior alone does not indicate abuse. Frequent use of the call light can be due to anxiety, fear, or a need for comfort, which can be addressed through appropriate nursing care and support.
Choice C rationale:A child who has frequent visitors is generally seen as having a strong support system. Frequent visits from family and friends usually indicate that the child is well-cared for and loved. This is not typically a sign of abuse.
Choice D rationale:A child whose parents answer questions for the child can be a red flag for abuse. This behavior may indicate that the parents are controlling and do not allow the child to speak for themselves, which can be a sign of emotional or psychological abuse. It is important for healthcare providers to observe interactions between the child and parents and assess for any signs of coercion or control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Other than possible coordination problems, the client's psychomotor skills are not affected. Severe Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning as well as adaptive behaviors. Coordination problems are not a primary characteristic of severe ID. The main focus is on cognitive and adaptive deficits.
Choice B rationale:
The client communicates wants and needs by "acting out behaviors." Severe ID can lead to challenges in effective communication. "Acting out behaviors" such as tantrums, aggression, or other disruptive actions might be the client's way of expressing themselves when they are unable to communicate verbally or effectively due to their cognitive limitations.
Choice C rationale:
The client can perform some self-care activities independently. Severe ID typically involves significant impairments in adaptive functioning, which includes self-care activities. The ability to perform some self-care activities independently is not consistent with the characteristics of severe ID.
Choice D rationale:
The client has advanced speech development. Severe ID is associated with delayed or impaired speech and language development. Advanced speech development would be contradictory to the diagnosis of severe ID, as this condition is characterized by substantial limitations in communication skills.
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