Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A crucial initial action in caring for a sexual assault survivor is providing emotional support and ensuring privacy and patient safety. It is important not to disrupt any potential evidence until a forensic exam can be performed if the patient consents. While all these actions are part of the protocol for handling sexual assault, emotional support is a priority to address the immediate well-being of the patient, which is why immediately providing a private setting and offering support and reassurance is the correct action. A medical forensic exam should only be conducted after addressing the patient's immediate emotional needs and obtaining informed consent. Disclosure to law enforcement is at the discretion of the patient unless mandated by local laws, while prophylactic STI treatment is a subsequent action after the initial evaluation and evidence collection.