CONCLUSION
Nursing skills, such as obtaining a history, conducting a physical assessment, and collaborating with other disciplines, allow nurses to participate in evidence collection while being sensitive to the physical and psychological needs of patients who report being sexually assaulted.
Acknowledgment
The author would like to thank Lauren DaSilva, Certified Sexual Assault Counselor, for assistance with photos.
RESOURCES
Texas Abuse Hotline (Department of Family and Protective Services)
(to report abuse)
800-252-5400 (toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Texas Evidence Collection Protocol
Texas Health and Human Services
(to report abuse in nursing homes, assisted living centers, day activity and health service facilities)
800-458-9858
Texas Physical Evidence Handbook (Texas Department of Public Safety)
REFERENCES
NOTE: Complete URLs for references retrieved from online sources are provided in the PDF of this course.
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