If a 35-year-old female presents with bilateral wrist pain and you suspect domestic abuse, what should your next action be?

In situations where there is a suspicion of domestic abuse, ensuring the safety of the individual is of utmost importance. By calling security, you are taking a proactive step to protect the patient from potential harm, particularly if the abuser may be nearby or could return while she is still in the healthcare setting. This action prioritizes her immediate safety, allowing her to be in a secure environment where she can receive the necessary medical care and support.

While asking directly about the injury is also a crucial step, it is essential to ensure her safety first to create a conducive environment for her to open up about her situation. Providing information about local shelters is supportive but does not address the immediate safety concern. Contacting her spouse for clarification would not be appropriate, as this could further endanger her. Therefore, calling security is the appropriate initial action to take to protect the patient in the context of suspected domestic abuse.