A patient in the emergency department is angry, yelling, cursing, and waving his arms when the nurse comes to the treatment cubicle. Which action(s) by the nurse is/are advisable?

Question

a. Reassure the patient by entering the room alone.
b. Ask the patient whether he is carrying any weapons.
c. Stay between the patient and the door while keeping the door open.
d. Make eye contact while stating firmly, "I will not tolerate cursing and threats."

Answer 1

C
The nurse should keep the door open and position herself so that the patient cannot block her exit from the room (stay between the patient and the door). The nurse should not enter a room with an angry patient by herself. The progression to physical violence is first anxiety, then verbal aggression, and finally physical aggression. The nurse's first priority in this situation is her own safety and the safety of others in the environment. The object is to relieve the patient's anxiety and not respond to anger with anger. Questioning about weapons, or being firm and defending against verbal aggression will likely provoke even more anger from the patient. The nurse must be calm and reassuring.