Which nursing action is appropriate when a client has sustained injuries that suggest abuse?

Which nursing action is appropriate when a client has sustained injuries that suggest abuse?

• A. Assist in the treatment of her physical injuries
• B. Delay discussing abuse until rapport is established
• C. Ask for a complete history of abuse before treating injuries
• D. Refer to social services without addressing the injuries

Answer: (A)

When someone’s injuries suggest abuse, the priority is to address their immediate medical needs. Assisting in the treatment of the physical injuries ensures the client receives essential care, helps relieve pain, prevents further harm, and provides a clear basis for ongoing assessment and documentation. You don’t need a full abuse history to start medical treatment, and delaying discussion about abuse or refusing to treat until you’ve established rapport would put the patient at risk and impede care. Referring to social services without first addressing the injuries also neglects the immediate medical needs the client has. After providing care, you would follow policies for reporting suspected abuse and connect the patient with appropriate support, but treating the injuries comes first.

When someone’s injuries suggest abuse, the priority is to address their immediate medical needs. Assisting in the treatment of the physical injuries ensures the client receives essential care, helps relieve pain, prevents further harm, and provides a clear basis for ongoing assessment and documentation. You don’t need a full abuse history to start medical treatment, and delaying discussion about abuse or refusing to treat until you’ve established rapport would put the patient at risk and impede care. Referring to social services without first addressing the injuries also neglects the immediate medical needs the client has. After providing care, you would follow policies for reporting suspected abuse and connect the patient with appropriate support, but treating the injuries comes first.