The client appears withdrawn but calm after a sexual assault. A small laceration on her chin and contusions on her arms and legs are noted. Place the following nursing interventions in the order to best address the client's immediate needs.

The client appears withdrawn but calm after a sexual assault. A small laceration on her chin and contusions on her arms and legs are noted. Place the following nursing interventions in the order to best address the client's immediate needs.

• A. 1-4-3-2-5
• B. 1-2-3-4-5
• C. 4-1-3-2-5
• D. 1-4-2-3-5

Answer: (A)

Immediate care after a sexual assault centers on safety, medical stabilization, and preserving the client’s autonomy while starting trauma-informed support. The first step is to ensure she is safe and not at risk, assess for any urgent medical needs, and address any injuries that require immediate attention. Next, explain what will be done and obtain consent before moving forward with examinations or any evidence collection, so she remains in control of the process. Then perform a careful assessment of injuries and provide necessary wound care for the chin laceration and contusions. After the physical needs are addressed, offer supportive counseling, invite her to share what happened at her own pace, and provide coping resources. Finally, document findings clearly and arrange follow-up care, including referrals for counseling and any required medical or forensic services. This order prioritizes safety and consent first, then physical care, then emotional support, followed by thorough documentation.

Immediate care after a sexual assault centers on safety, medical stabilization, and preserving the client’s autonomy while starting trauma-informed support. The first step is to ensure she is safe and not at risk, assess for any urgent medical needs, and address any injuries that require immediate attention. Next, explain what will be done and obtain consent before moving forward with examinations or any evidence collection, so she remains in control of the process. Then perform a careful assessment of injuries and provide necessary wound care for the chin laceration and contusions. After the physical needs are addressed, offer supportive counseling, invite her to share what happened at her own pace, and provide coping resources. Finally, document findings clearly and arrange follow-up care, including referrals for counseling and any required medical or forensic services. This order prioritizes safety and consent first, then physical care, then emotional support, followed by thorough documentation.