During a routine check-up, a teenager reveals to the nurse that they are experiencing emotional abuse from their partner. What should the nurse do first?

Choice A reason: Ignoring emotional abuse risks further psychological harm. Emotional abuse triggers stress responses, elevating cortisol and amygdala activity, potentially leading to anxiety or depression. Scientifically, dismissing claims fails to address trauma’s neurobiological impact, leaving the teenager vulnerable to worsening mental health and ongoing abuse. Choice B reason: Providing resources and support addresses immediate needs, offering tools like counseling or hotlines. Scientifically, this reduces stress-induced cortisol spikes, stabilizing emotional regulation. Support empowers the teenager to manage abuse’s psychological impact, fostering resilience and preventing long-term trauma-related disorders like PTSD or depression. Choice C reason: Contacting parents immediately may breach confidentiality, increasing stress. Emotional abuse can cause shame, and premature parental involvement may exacerbate anxiety or fear responses. Scientifically, this risks heightened amygdala activity, complicating trust in healthcare providers and delaying effective intervention for abuse-related psychological harm. Choice D reason: Advising immediate breakup is impractical without assessing safety or context. Emotional abuse involves complex psychological dynamics, and abrupt action may escalate harm. Scientifically, such advice ignores trauma’s impact on decision-making, potentially increasing stress responses and risking further emotional or physical harm from the abuser.