In the emergency department, a patient asks that a friend be allowed to stay in the examination room while awaiting the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). What response best assures safety?

• A. Certainly; whatever makes you feel safe.
• B. We can’t accommodate visitors at this time.
• C. I can’t guarantee that.
• D. You can’t have anyone in the room.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is creating safety through trauma-informed, patient-centered care. When someone has experienced sexual assault, validating the patient’s need for a support person and offering reassurance helps reduce fear and anxiety and supports accurate communication during a vulnerable exam. Saying, “Certainly; whatever makes you feel safe,” affirms the patient’s autonomy, normalizes the request, and signals that their safety and comfort come first. It invites collaboration and trust, which are essential for a successful SANE process. Other responses can feel rigid or dismissive and may heighten distress or undermine trust, whereas this response prioritizes the patient’s perceived safety and control. If facility policies require limits, you can still acknowledge the request and discuss permissible alternatives that maintain safety and privacy.