When planning care for a client with self-inflicted injuries, what is the highest priority?

Promoting and maintaining client safety is essential when caring for a client with self-inflicted injuries because the primary concern in such situations is to prevent further harm to the individual. Clients who engage in self-injury are often in a vulnerable mental state and may continue to harm themselves if safety measures are not implemented. Ensuring a safe environment allows healthcare providers to address the client's mental health needs and create a therapeutic space where they feel secure.

In the context of mental health care, safety encompasses not only the physical safety of the client but also includes emotional and psychological safety, which can help facilitate recovery. By prioritizing safety, care providers can effectively assess other areas, such as nutrition, family involvement, and medication management, after ensuring that the client is no longer at immediate risk of harm.