A registered nurse is working in an emergency department when a 16-year-old client is brought in by police after a sexual assault. The client is withdrawn, tearful, and refusing to speak. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate initial response within the framework of crisis intervention?

Question: A registered nurse is working in an emergency department when a 16-year-old client is brought in by police after a sexual assault. The client is withdrawn, tearful, and refusing to speak. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate initial response within the framework of crisis intervention?

Answer options:

• Ask the client detailed questions about the incident to gather evidence. ✅ Ensure the client's physical safety and provide a quiet, private environment.
• Contact the client's parents immediately to inform them of the situation.
• Offer to call a support group for sexual assault survivors.

Correct answer: Ensure the client's physical safety and provide a quiet, private environment.

Explanation: The immediate priority in crisis intervention for a client experiencing trauma is to ensure physical safety and create a supportive, private environment to foster trust and security. Detailed questioning can be re-traumatizing at this initial stage, and while family contact and support groups are important, they are not the first step in establishing immediate safety and rapport.