A 16-week pregnant female who appears reluctant to explain her injury has fallen. How should you proceed?

In a situation involving a 16-week pregnant female who is reluctant to explain her injury, the most appropriate course of action is to continue care in a private setting and document the details. This approach respects the patient's privacy and dignity, which is particularly important in sensitive situations such as potential abuse or personal distress.

By providing care in a private space, the patient may feel safer and more in control, creating an opportunity for her to share relevant information at her own pace. Building rapport is crucial, especially if there are underlying concerns about her situation. Documenting the details of the incident and the patient's condition serves not only as a legal measure but also ensures that any healthcare providers involved later have a comprehensive understanding of her circumstances.

Other options, such as removing the patient from the environment immediately, may not address the underlying issues she may be facing or could potentially place her in a more dangerous situation. Contacting the police may escalate the situation before it's clear what happened, which can make the patient feel more cornered or resistant to sharing information. Pressing the issue to gain a detailed understanding can lead to further reluctance and may harm the trust you are trying to establish. Therefore, continuing care in a privacy-focused manner is the most therapeutic and responsible action.