A 50-year-old female presents with multiple bruises and fractures at different healing stages. She reveals that her partner has been physically abusive. What is the approach to this patient?
This patient shows signs of physical abuse, a form of intimate partner violence. Management includes treating her injuries and addressing her immediate safety concerns. A social worker should be involved to provide resources and possibly help develop a safety plan. Reporting the abuse to law enforcement is also a crucial step but requires the patient's consent in most jurisdictions unless there are immediate safety concerns.