The nurse should protect the patient’s privacy and ensure her safety by continuing to ask interpersonal violence questions. By continuing the conversation in a calm, nonjudgmental way, the patient can define the problem and help create a plan for safety. Leaving the room does not establish rapport with the patient and calling the authorities is not appropriate at this time. The nurse should further explore the patient’s report and should not continue with unrelated questions. The patient should be encouraged to share her concerns with her healthcare team and should not be immediately redirected to the authorities.