Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who states that she was beaten and sexually assaulted by her partner. After a rapid assessment, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take next?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Provide a trained advocate to stay with the client. This is crucial to ensure the client's safety, provide emotional support, and facilitate access to resources such as counseling and legal assistance. It helps empower the client in making decisions regarding her care and reporting the assault. Conducting a pregnancy test (A) can wait until the client feels comfortable and consents. Offering prophylactic medication for STIs (C) is important but not the immediate priority. Requesting a mental health consultation (D) may be necessary later but does not address the immediate safety and support needs of the client.