What is the primary concern for the 21-year-old client who has been raped and presents with visible injuries?

The primary concern for a 21-year-old client who has been raped and presents with visible injuries is the collection of evidence. In cases of sexual assault, it is critical to gather physical evidence as soon as possible to support any potential legal action. This includes documenting injuries, collecting DNA, and ensuring that any evidence is preserved in a way that maintains its integrity for legal proceedings. Timeliness is essential, as evidence can degrade or be lost over time.

While immediate pain relief, public safety reporting, and psychological counseling are also important aspects of care for the survivor, the priority after ensuring the patient's immediate medical needs are met is to properly collect the evidence. This helps ensure that the survivor’s rights are upheld, and can have a significant impact on the outcome of any investigative or legal processes that follow. Therefore, focusing on the collection of evidence aligns with best practices in forensic nursing and emergency care for sexual assault victims.