Question

A 30-year-old woman has been sexually assaulted. She is crying, and appears withdrawn and frightened. Which of the following strategies would be appropriate to use when caring for this patient?

1) Provide a safe and supportive environment
2) Encourage the patient to talk about her feelings
3) Offer information about available resources and support services
4) Respect the patient's autonomy and decision-making

Answer 1

When caring for a survivor of sexual assault, it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment, encourage them to express their feelings, offer information on resources and support services, and respect their autonomy and decision-making.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a 30-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted and is experiencing emotional distress, the following strategies would be appropriate:

1. Provide a safe and supportive environment: It is crucial to ensure both physical and psychological safety for the survivor. This includes explaining the steps to minimize psychological harm and having mental health staff available for support.
2. Encourage the patient to talk about her feelings: Doing so in a trauma-informed and non-judgmental manner helps to build a culture of trust where survivors feel empowered to open up.
3. Offer information about available resources and support services: Providing this information can help create a sense of self-efficacy and control over one's healing process, and introduces the survivor to community support.
4. Respect the patient's autonomy and decision-making: Recognizing the survivor's right to make their own choices is essential. Confidentiality and respecting the survivor's decisions are paramount to creating a long-lasting and trusting relationship.