A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting symptoms of emotional and physical trauma. Which of the following nursing actions is a priority when providing trauma-informed care for this client?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the client to talk about the trauma may be therapeutic but is not the priority. Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety to stabilize the client, as discussing trauma without ensuring safety can exacerbate distress, particularly if the client feels vulnerable or unsupported. Choice B reason: Assessing social and family support is important for long-term recovery but secondary to immediate safety. Trauma-informed care emphasizes creating a secure environment first, as lack of safety can hinder effective support assessment and exacerbate psychological distress from trauma. Choice C reason: Contacting a social worker to report abuse is necessary if abuse is confirmed, but it is not the initial priority. Ensuring the client’s immediate physical and emotional safety takes precedence, as reporting without safety measures may escalate risk or distress. Choice D reason: Ensuring the client’s safety is the priority in trauma-informed care, addressing immediate physical and emotional threats. Safety stabilizes the client, reducing stress hormone release (e.g., cortisol) and creating a foundation for trust, enabling further therapeutic interventions like support assessment or trauma discussion.