A patient experiencing acute mania is dancing atop a pool table in the recreation room. The patient waves a cue in one hand and says, "I'll throw the pool balls if anyone comes near me." To best assure safety, the nurse's first intervention is to
A) tell the patient, "You need to be secluded."
B) clear the room of all other patients.
C) help the patient down from the table.
D) assemble a show of force.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's behavior demonstrates a clear risk of dangerousness to others. Safety is of primary importance. Once other patients are out of the room, a plan for managing this patient can be implemented. Threatening the patient or assembling a show of force is likely to exacerbate the tension.

A Patient Experiencing Acute Mania Is Dancing Atop a Pool