A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client following an assault. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Scheduling a follow-up visit is important for ongoing care but is not the priority immediately after an assault. Physical injuries or acute psychological trauma must be addressed first to ensure the client’s immediate safety and stability before planning long-term follow-up care. Choice B reason: Providing information about support groups is valuable for long-term recovery but is not the first action. Acute physical and psychological needs, such as injuries or trauma responses, take precedence to stabilize the client before addressing psychosocial support resources. Choice C reason: Asking about past stress coping mechanisms helps tailor psychological support but is not the priority in an emergency setting. Assessing for physical injuries is critical first, as assaults may cause trauma that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications or deterioration. Choice D reason: Assessing for injuries is the priority after an assault, as physical trauma may be life-threatening. This aligns with the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) of emergency care, ensuring immediate stabilization. Injuries like internal bleeding or fractures must be identified and treated promptly to ensure safety.