What is the primary concern for a nurse assessing a client with signs of physical abuse?

A. Identifying the abuser and reporting to authorities is important, but it is secondary to ensuring the client’s immediate safety. While reporting is required by law, the first priority in nursing care is assessing risk and preventing further harm. B. Documenting all physical injuries comprehensively is necessary for legal and medical purposes, but it does not address the immediate safety risk, which takes precedence in acute assessment. C. Determining if the client is in immediate danger or at risk for further harm is correct. In cases of physical abuse, the primary concern is the client’s safety. The nurse must quickly assess whether the client is at risk of ongoing harm and take appropriate steps, such as removing them from danger, initiating protective interventions, and contacting authorities if necessary. Safety assessment guides all subsequent interventions. D. Evaluating the client’s mental health status is important for holistic care, but it is not the primary concern in acute situations of suspected physical abuse. Mental health assessment can follow once immediate safety is addressed.