Patient: Lily, 16-year-old female Presenting Concerns: Multiple superficial cuts on forearms. Denies suicidal intent. History: Recent family conflict and academic stress. What is the priority nursing intervention for Lily?

A. Punish self-harm behaviors: Punitive responses can increase shame, guilt, and secrecy around self-injury. Such approaches may escalate emotional distress and do not address underlying stressors or ensure physical safety. Therapeutic care emphasizes support rather than punishment. B. Focus only on academic counseling: Academic stress is a contributing factor, but addressing it alone overlooks immediate physical and emotional needs. Self-inflicted wounds require assessment and care to prevent complications. C. Ignore behavior to avoid reinforcement: Ignoring self-harm behaviors risks missing signs of infection, worsening injury, or escalating distress. Active assessment and engagement are necessary to promote safety and identify ongoing risk. Nonjudgmental attention supports trust and disclosure. D. Ensure wound care and assess for infection: Immediate attention to physical injuries reduces the risk of infection and complications. This intervention prioritizes safety while allowing the nurse to assess injury patterns and initiate further psychosocial evaluation. It supports both physical care and ongoing therapeutic engagement.