Mrs. Buxton phones hysterical and says, “Ronnie is beating me up.” What should the practical nurse’s first response be?

• A. How long has he been abusing you?
• B. You need to come to the doctor's office right away.
• C. How badly has he beaten you up?
• D. Are you in a safe place?

Answer: (C)

The situation requires promptly assessing the level of physical harm to determine urgency of medical care and safety needs. Asking how badly he has beaten you up directly gathers information about injuries, their location, and severity, which guides immediate medical evaluation, potential treatments, and necessary precautions. This question communicates that you take her report seriously and provides essential details for triage and documentation.

Other approaches that focus on duration of abuse or give a directive about going to the doctor presuppose a plan or emphasize history rather than current danger. Asking about safety is important, but determining injury severity first helps prioritize the next steps and ensures the patient gets appropriate immediate care and support.