A patient with a history of violence is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The nurse observes the patient pacing the halls and speaking to other patients in a menacing way. The nurse is concerned that the patient will become physically violent. The nurse should initially

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

De-escalation tips for mental health emergencies:
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Use a nonthreatening stance-open, but not vulnerable. Have them "take a seat"
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Eye contact-not constant, brief to show concern
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Commands-brief, slow, with simple vocabulary, only as loud as needed, repeat as needed
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Movement-not sudden, announce actions when possible, keep hands where they can be seen
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Attitude-calm, interested, firm, patient, reassuring, respectful, truthful
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Acknowledge legitimacy of feelings, delusions, hallucinations as being real to the patient ("I understand you are seeing or feeling this, but I am not")
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Remove distractions, upsetting influences
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Keep the patient talking/focused on the here and now
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Ignore, rather than argue with, provocative statements
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Allow verbal venting, within reason
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Be sensitive to personal space/comfort zone
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Remove patient to a quiet space; remove others from immediate area (avoid the "group spectators")
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Give some choices or options, if possible
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Set limits, if necessary
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Limit interaction to just one professional and let that person do the talking
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Avoid rushing-slow things down
F1F1F1S1F1F1F10 Give yourself an out; don't put the patient between yourself and the door

A Patient with a History of Violence Is Admitted to a Psychiatric