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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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Identifying the client's coping skills is an important assessment, but in the context of acute anxiety requiring crisis intervention, immediate safety takes precedence over assessment. Coping skills assessment can follow once the client is stable.

Choice B rationale:

Protecting the client from injury to himself is the highest priority in this scenario. Acute anxiety can lead to behaviors that pose a risk to the client's safety, such as self-harm or suicide. Ensuring the client's physical safety is paramount.

Choice C rationale:

Determining the cause of the client's anxiety is relevant for long-term care but not the immediate priority during crisis intervention. Immediate safety concerns must be addressed first.

Choice D rationale:

Ensuring that the client feels safe is important, but physical safety takes precedence. The client's subjective feeling of safety may not necessarily prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviors.

A. Sit with the client and offer simple, direct information. B. Explain the unit policies to the client and answer any questions he might have. C. Have the client attend group therapy immediately. D. Take the client on a tour of the unit and introduce him to all the staff members on duty.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse's approach of sitting with the client and offering simple, direct information is appropriate for a newly admitted client diagnosed with severe depression. This approach allows the nurse to establish a therapeutic rapport and provide the client with essential information in a clear and concise manner. People with severe depression often have difficulty processing complex information, so providing simple and direct information can enhance their understanding and alleviate any feelings of overwhelm.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining the unit policies and answering the client's questions might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression during their initial orientation. People experiencing depression often have difficulties with concentration and retaining information due to cognitive impairment. Presenting them with detailed policies and procedures might increase their anxiety and hinder their ability to absorb the information effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Having the client attend group therapy immediately might not be the best approach for someone with severe depression upon admission. Group therapy could be beneficial later in the treatment process, but initially, the client might not be emotionally ready to engage in group interactions. It's essential to establish a one-on-one therapeutic relationship and provide a stable environment before introducing them to group settings.

Choice D rationale:

Taking the client on a tour of the unit and introducing them to all the staff members on duty might be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for someone with severe depression. It's crucial to approach the client with sensitivity and respect their emotional state. Introducing them to multiple staff members might increase their social anxiety and make them feel exposed, leading to further distress.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who requires crisis intervention for acute anxiety. Which of the following nursing actions is the highest priority?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is planning a unit orientation for a newly admitted client diagnosed with severe depression. Which of the following should be the nurse's approach?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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