What should the emergency care for a rape victim focus on?

The focus of emergency care for a rape victim should be on preserving evidence and providing reassurance to the victim. When a victim of sexual assault presents for care, it is crucial to ensure that any evidence related to the crime is collected properly to aid in potential legal proceedings. Using a paper bag for evidence collection is recommended because it allows the items to breathe and reduces the risk of contamination, which can occur with plastic bags.

Reassuring the victim is also an essential component of their emergency care. Being a victim of sexual assault can lead to feelings of fear, confusion, and trauma, so providing psychological support is key to helping them feel safe and cared for during a very vulnerable time.

The other options suggest actions that do not prioritize the preservation of evidence or the victim's emotional well-being. For instance, performing pelvic or rectal exams without proper protocol may compromise evidence collection, while allowing the patient to shower or change clothes may wash away critical evidence needed for investigation. Therefore, focusing on preserving evidence and offering reassurance is vital in the proper emergency care of a rape victim.