A 28-year-old female patient presents to the mental health clinic with symptoms of anxiety and depression following a recent sexual assault. What is the most appropriate initial intervention for the nurse to implement?

Choice A reason: Assessing support systems and coping strategies identifies resources and needs post-sexual assault. Scientifically, social support reduces cortisol and stabilizes amygdala-driven anxiety, fostering resilience. Discussing coping, like mindfulness, calms stress responses, supporting emotional regulation and recovery from trauma’s neurobiological impact effectively. Choice B reason: Advising against discussing feelings isolates the patient, worsening depression. Scientifically, social isolation increases cortisol and amygdala activity, exacerbating trauma-related symptoms. Encouraging safe disclosure with trusted individuals supports psychological recovery, as isolation delays processing and heightens risk of chronic mental health issues. Choice C reason: Immediate support group referral is premature without assessing readiness. Scientifically, group settings may overwhelm, as trauma heightens amygdala-driven stress responses. Individual stabilization through coping strategies is needed first to ensure emotional readiness, preventing exacerbation of anxiety or depression post-sexual assault. Choice D reason: Encouraging detailed trauma sharing risks re-traumatization initially. Scientifically, premature disclosure heightens amygdala activity and cortisol, worsening anxiety or PTSD. A safe environment and coping strategies are needed first to stabilize the patient, ensuring readiness for trauma processing in structured therapy later.