A nurse is caring for a client who has an injury related to partner violence. The client does not want to report the incident to the authorities or leave their home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Rationale: A. Ask the client to describe the incident: The first step is to gather detailed and accurate information about what happened. This not only allows the nurse to assess the severity and risk of harm but also builds trust with the client. Understanding the specifics of the situation is essential before planning further interventions. B. Assist the client with developing a safety plan: While crucial for long-term well-being, safety planning should come after assessing the current situation. The nurse must first understand the context of the incident to tailor the plan effectively and ensure it aligns with the client’s readiness and safety. C. Provide the client with information about local shelters: Offering shelter information is supportive and may be part of discharge or follow-up teaching. However, this should follow the initial assessment, as the client may not yet be ready to consider leaving or may have specific needs not met by general resources. D. Refer the client to a support group: Support groups are helpful for emotional healing and connection but are not an immediate priority. Without understanding the client’s current circumstances, risk level, and readiness to engage, such a referral may not be appropriate at this stage.