A 45-year-old married woman who works full time in a factory has recently been absent for 3-day periods on several occasions. Each time, she returned to work wearing dark glasses. Facial and body bruises were apparent. Her supervisor became suspicious that she was a victim of battering and referred her to the occupational health nurse. What should the nurse first focus on as she meets the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Establishing trust and building rapport. The nurse should first focus on building a trusting relationship with the patient to create a safe environment for her to disclose any abuse she may be experiencing. By establishing trust and rapport, the nurse can gain the patient's confidence and encourage her to open up about her situation. This approach is crucial in ensuring the patient feels supported and empowered to seek help.
Incorrect choices:
A: Notifying the police of the abuse - This may jeopardize the patient's safety and could worsen the situation if she is not ready to involve law enforcement.
B: Documenting the woman's injuries - While documenting injuries is important, it should not be the first step as it may further distress the patient without addressing the underlying issue.
D: Collecting evidence to prosecute the abuser - Prosecution should not be the initial focus; the priority should be on the patient's well-being and safety.