Your patient is a 37-year-old male sitting on the kitchen floor.His wife is attempting to talk with him,but he does not look at her or answer.He is fidgeting and has apparently thrown some dishes against the wall.What should be your first consideration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's behavior suggests he may be experiencing a psychiatric crisis or potentially violent outburst. Therefore, staying a safe distance away is the first consideration to ensure safety for both the patient and the provider. Once the provider can assess the situation from a safe distance, they can consider next steps, such as calling for backup or engaging in communication with the patient if deemed safe. Asking the wife to step outside or into another room may be considered later, but ensuring safety should be the immediate concern. Checking the carotid pulse is not relevant to the situation at hand.

Your Patient Is a 37-Year-Old Male Sitting on the Kitchen