A nurse on a mental health unit is planning care for a client who is being admitted immediately following a sexual assault. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Asking for detailed information about the assault can re-traumatize the client. The nurse should allow the client to disclose details voluntarily and only collect essential information for immediate care and evidence collection. A calm, supportive presence is more therapeutic than extensive questioning. B. Showering or changing clothes can destroy physical evidence (e.g., hair, semen, fibers) that may be crucial for forensic evaluation. The client should be advised not to bathe, shower, eat, or brush teeth until after a sexual assault forensic exam is completed. C. Minimizing the event by focusing only on the physical injuries dismisses the emotional trauma of sexual assault. Psychological safety and emotional validation are the first priorities. Statements should acknowledge the client’s experience and support autonomy (“You are safe here; we will proceed at your pace.”). D. Limiting the number of staff providing care helps reduce anxiety, prevents sensory overload, and fosters trust and security. The client may feel vulnerable or fearful of multiple strangers, so having a consistent small care team promotes emotional safety and therapeutic rapport.