Sexual Assault and Sexual Practices

Question 1

What do you do when you treat a sexual assault patient?

Answer 1

• Treat the patient with psychological support
• Attempt to preserve evidence by
  ~ Place each article of clothing in SEPARATE paper bags
  ~ Gently persuade the patient not to shower, or wipe genitals
  ~ Nothing by mouth, do not let them brush their teeth
  ~ Do not change clothing (explain why)
  ~ Urge not to void their bladder and bowels, if possible

Question 2

Sexual Assault Assessment

Answer 2

• Limit examination to a brief survey
• Do not ask for details of the assault, if the patient opens up on his or her own, just listen
• Protect the patient’s privacy

Question 3

Management of Sexual Assault Patient

Answer 3

• You have a responsibility to preserve evidence
• Discourage the patient from doing anything that will possibly corrupt any evidence
• Police involvement should be expected

Question 4

Symptoms of GHB

Answer 4

• Intoxication
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Coma

Question 5

Colourless liquid that causes amnesia

Answer 5

GHB

Question 6

Veterinary anesthetic

Answer 6

Ketamine

Question 7

Signs/Symptoms of Ketamine

Answer 7

• Blocks pain without respiratory or circulatory compromise
• Creates “out of body” experience
• Causes loss of coordination, muscle rigidity, and slurred speech

Question 8

methamphetamine with hallucinogenic properties

Answer 8

Ecstasy

Question 9

Signs/Symptoms of Ecstacy

Answer 9

• Creates mental confusion and feelings of heightened sexual experiences
• May cause hypertension and diaphoresis

Question 10

Sexual Assault PCR

Answer 10

• Keep the report concise and factual
• Do not insert your own opinions
• ALL DOCUMENTATION can be subpoenaed to court
• Record: patient’s emotional state, condition of clothing, any obvious injuries
• If the patient does not give account to the assault, document as patient states …”
• Use quotations

Question 11

What to do if the patient has objects stuck in the vagina or anus

Answer 11

• Keep the patient calm
• Protect their dignity
• The objects often become lodged causing bleeding and trauma
• Do not attempt to remove foreign object
• Do not let the patient walk

Question 12

Assessment of foreign bodies in the vagina or anus

Answer 12

• Maintain your patient’s privacy
• Inspection of the genital area may be necessary
• Conduct a thorough patient assessment

Question 13

Management of foreign bodies lodged in vagina or anus

Answer 13

• Treat as you would with any foreign body object
• Remain non-judgemental
• Transport with knees-flexed, legs-together
• Do not attempt to retrieve the object