Which action is appropriate when a patient discloses intimate partner violence?

Which action is appropriate when a patient discloses intimate partner violence?

• A. Document subjective and objective data, provide basic care, help build a safety plan, identify triggers, use crisis intervention, and promote rest
• B. Tell the patient to leave immediately
• C. Confront the partner in the room
• D. Delay safety planning

Answer: (A)

Disclosing intimate partner violence requires a safety-focused, patient-centered response. The best approach is to gather and document what the patient reports (subjective data) and any observable injuries or signs (objective data) in a nonjudgmental, private setting, then address immediate needs and begin planning for safety. Documenting clearly and thoroughly creates a legal and medical record that supports ongoing care and potential protection services, while ensuring the patient’s statements are preserved accurately for future use. Provide basic care for injuries and comfort, and assess for additional safety needs. Work with the patient to build a personalized safety plan, including recognizing triggers, identifying a safe place or act of escape if danger escalates, arranging a reliable person to contact, and listing essential items and important documents to take if they need to leave. Connect the patient with crisis intervention services, social work, and local resources such as shelters or hotlines, and arrange appropriate follow-up. Encourage rest and reassurance, validating the patient’s feelings and autonomy. Approach with sensitivity, because asking a person to leave immediately or confronting the partner in the room can put them at greater risk. Safety planning requires time, consent, and collaboration, not pressure, and delaying planning is not in the patient’s best interest.

Disclosing intimate partner violence requires a safety-focused, patient-centered response. The best approach is to gather and document what the patient reports (subjective data) and any observable injuries or signs (objective data) in a nonjudgmental, private setting, then address immediate needs and begin planning for safety. Documenting clearly and thoroughly creates a legal and medical record that supports ongoing care and potential protection services, while ensuring the patient’s statements are preserved accurately for future use.

Provide basic care for injuries and comfort, and assess for additional safety needs. Work with the patient to build a personalized safety plan, including recognizing triggers, identifying a safe place or act of escape if danger escalates, arranging a reliable person to contact, and listing essential items and important documents to take if they need to leave. Connect the patient with crisis intervention services, social work, and local resources such as shelters or hotlines, and arrange appropriate follow-up. Encourage rest and reassurance, validating the patient’s feelings and autonomy.

Approach with sensitivity, because asking a person to leave immediately or confronting the partner in the room can put them at greater risk. Safety planning requires time, consent, and collaboration, not pressure, and delaying planning is not in the patient’s best interest.