When caring for a woman who was sexually assaulted,what is your best approach for collecting information surrounding the event? Select all that apply.

A) Use a calm, reassuring voice when asking questions of your patient.
B) Ask only close family members to describe events related to the incident.
C) Provide privacy by asking questions behind a closed curtain.
D) Document the details using the patient's own words.

Use a calm,professional approach as you collect sexual data from your patients.This will not only help them to feel more comfortable and confident,but will also yield more honest and complete information.Your patient might have difficulty discussing the events relating to the assault; however,this is a private matter and not a topic to discuss with family members,regardless of the apparent closeness of the relationship.When asking personal questions,provide privacy and be sensitive to your client's cues.A curtain is not secure enough because conversation easily could be overheard.Clear,unambiguous documentation is extremely important because of the criminal nature of sexual crime.Using the patient's own words is a way for the nurse to avoid misinterpreting the facts as well as to keep from introducing bias or drawing conclusions about the event.