What is the most appropriate response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted and requests to wash the blood off?

In the context of a patient who has experienced sexual assault, prioritizing her emotional and physical safety is crucial. Offering comfort and wrapping the patient in a blanket provides both emotional support and a sense of security. This response acknowledges her trauma and creates a safe space for her to feel more secure, which is vital in a crisis situation.

Allowing her to go to the bathroom alone can potentially compromise the collection of important forensic evidence, which is necessary for any legal proceedings. Contacting law enforcement is an important step, but it should not interfere with the immediate care and emotional support the patient needs at that moment. Encouraging her to talk about the incident might increase her distress if she is not ready to engage in a dialogue. Instead, providing comfort first helps in establishing trust and rapport, which can facilitate further assistance later on.