A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports having experienced sexual abuse. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings are consistent with the client's report? (Select All that Apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
A. The client complains of pelvic soreness. Pelvic soreness is a common physical symptom following sexual abuse due to trauma, forced penetration, or muscle tension from psychological distress. B. The client's urine sample is positive for chlamydia. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, can be a result of sexual abuse. A positive test in a client who has not engaged in consensual sexual activity raises concern for recent or past assault. C. The client has anal bleeding. Anal trauma, including bleeding, is a strong indicator of possible sexual abuse, especially if there is no medical history of other conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. D. The client has bruising around the breasts. Unexplained bruising in sensitive areas such as the breasts may suggest physical force during a sexual assault, making this a concerning finding. E. The client's underwear is bloody. Bloodstains on underwear can indicate genital or anal trauma, which may occur during sexual abuse. This finding warrants further medical and forensic evaluation. F. The client has a scar on their inner thigh. While scars may suggest past trauma or injury, they do not necessarily indicate recent sexual abuse. Unlike fresh injuries, scars do not provide evidence of a recent assault and are not specific to sexual abuse.