A 36-year-old female patient presents to your clinic with abdominal pain, chills, tremor, fever, and anxiety. She is pale, thin, and avoids eye contact. A thorough history is taken and she reports that she drinks with her husband and he gives her pills, which she takes most every day. She is not sure what they are for but she feels better when she wakes up. Her husband is not with her but will return to pick her up at the clinic.
-You specifically suspect a possibility of sexual abuse given her presentation. You decide you need to do a physical exam, lab work, and discuss a safety plan. What is your biggest priority given her husband may arrive at any moment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The immediate priority is to ensure the patient's safety by discussing a safety plan, especially given the potential risk posed by her husband.

A 36-Year-Old Female Patient Presents to Your Clinic with Abdominal