What is the first nursing action to take after a sexual assault?

The first nursing action to take after a sexual assault is obtaining the assault history from the client. This step is crucial as it helps in understanding the full context of the incident, which can guide the subsequent care and treatment of the client. Gathering this history allows the nurse to provide emotional support, ensure the client feels safe, and assess for any immediate medical needs, including potential injuries.

Additionally, obtaining a thorough history is vital for legal purposes and can assist in informing law enforcement if the client chooses to report the assault. It is important to approach this process with sensitivity and allow the client to share at their own pace, ensuring they feel supported and not overwhelmed during a difficult time.

While the other actions may also be important in the following steps, they typically follow the gathering of the history. Reporting the assault to the police, for example, requires the client’s consent and should be done only after ensuring they are ready to proceed. Collecting urine specimens and conducting tests can also provide valuable information, but without first understanding the assault details, the most appropriate next steps may not be clear. Thus, initiating the conversation by obtaining the assault history sets the stage for effective response and care.