A woman with multiple bruises on her face and arms is seen in the emergency department. Her significant other is with her. When asked about her injuries, the woman states, "I ran into a door." Which action by the nurse is of highest priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest priority action is to interview the woman in private to assess for any signs of intimate partner violence. The woman's significant other may be the abuser, and the woman may be afraid to disclose the truth in front of them. It is important to ensure the woman's safety and address any potential abuse. Taking vital signs and documenting the location of bruises can be done after the private interview, and assessing for additional bruising can be done during the physical exam.

A Woman with Multiple Bruises on Her Face and Arms