Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

What is the primary role of the forensic nurse during the assessment phase?

1. To provide psychological counseling

2. To collect pertinent data and information relative to the patient's health

3. To diagnose mental health issues

4. To prescribe medication for pain relief

The correct answer is: To collect pertinent data and information relative to the patient's health

The primary role of the forensic nurse during the assessment phase is to collect pertinent data and information relative to the patient's health. This involves taking a comprehensive history and performing a thorough physical examination to gather evidence that may be critical for legal cases. The forensic nurse is trained to recognize signs of trauma, abuse, or neglect and meticulously document findings, which is essential in providing care as well as in helping law enforcement and legal teams understand the context of the situation. By concentrating on data collection, forensic nurses ensure that all relevant health information is captured accurately, aiding in the multidisciplinary approach to care. This phase is fundamental, as the information gathered can have far-reaching implications for both the patient's ongoing care and potential legal proceedings. In contrast, providing psychological counseling, diagnosing mental health issues, and prescribing medication fall outside the primary scope of a forensic nurse's responsibilities during the assessment phase. These areas typically require specific qualifications and roles, such as those of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, focusing more on treatment rather than the critical collection of evidence and health data.