SEXUAL ASSAULT CLOTHING COLLECTION AND DOCUMENTATION

Course overview

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE THE FIRST AND TOP PRIORITY IN CARING FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS. AFTER THE PATIENT IS CLINICALLY STABLE, PROPER ASSAULT PROTOCOL CAN COMMENCE. ONCE THE INITIAL EXAMINER EXPLAINS THE OPTIONS TO THE PATIENT, AN APPROPRIATE EXAMINER WHO MAY BE A PHYSICIAN OR A NURSE WHO, WITH TRAINING IN EVIDENCE COLLECTION, OBTAINS CONSENT AND EVIDENCE VIA THE SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMINATION KIT (SAEK). THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE PROPER COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND DOCUMENTATION OF SPECIMENS SUCH AS CLOTHING, BODILY FLUIDS, AND FINGERNAIL SCRAPINGS, AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE HEALTHCARE TEAM IN MANAGING PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO SEXUAL ASSAULT.