Biology Forums - Study Force

A female patient comes to the ED and reports her boyfriend tried to strangle her. What is the nursing priority for the patient?

The nursing priority for a patient who presents to the emergency department (ED) reporting that her boyfriend attempted to strangle her would be to ensure the patient's safety and provide appropriate medical and emotional support. The patient may be experiencing physical injuries as well as emotional trauma, so the nurse should assess the patient's condition, including any injuries or signs of distress. The following would be the nursing priority for this patient:

Safety: The patient's safety is the primary concern. The nurse should ensure that the patient is in a safe environment and that any potential threats have been identified and removed. The patient may need to be placed in a private room or in a location away from the perpetrator.

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs): The nurse should assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation to ensure that they are stable and that there are no signs of injury or distress. The nurse should also check for signs of trauma to the neck such as petechiae, ecchymosis, or hoarseness of voice.

Physical assessment: The nurse should conduct a thorough physical assessment to identify any injuries, such as bruises, lacerations, or abrasions, that the patient may have sustained. The nurse should also assess for any signs of head injuries, chest pain or abdominal pain.

Psychological assessment: The nurse should assess the patient's emotional state and provide emotional support. The patient may be experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, or trauma, and the nurse should be sensitive to these feelings and provide appropriate support.

Documenting: The nurse should document all findings, interventions, and treatments provided to the patient, as well as any observations made about the patient's condition. This documentation will be used to inform the patient's ongoing care.

Notify the authorities: The nurse should contact the appropriate authorities, such as the police, to report the incident and to ensure the patient's safety. The patient should also be informed about available resources such as the local domestic violence shelter and support groups.

Provide care and treatment: The nurse should provide appropriate medical and emotional care and treatment to the patient, such as wound care and emotional support.