An 8-year-old is admitted to the hospital after being sexually abused by an adult family member. The child is withdrawn and appears frightened. Which describes the best plan for the initial nursing encounter to convey concern and support?

Victims of sexual abuse may exhibit fear and anxiety regarding what has just occurred. In addition, they may fear that the abuse could be repeated. When initiating contact with a child victim of sexual abuse who demonstrates a fear of others, it is best to convey a willingness to spend time and move slowly to initiate activities that may be perceived as threatening. After a rapport is established, the nurse may explore the child's feelings or use various therapeutic modalities to encourage the recounting of the sexual encounter. Option 2 conveys a plan for an initial encounter that establishes trust by sitting with the child in a nonthreatening atmosphere. Option 1 does not convey concern and support by the nurse. Options 3 and 4 may be implemented after trust and rapport are established.