You have been called to a bar for a patient who was involved in an altercation and is complaining of abdominal pain. Law enforcement is present, the patient has been handcuffed, and he is sitting on the sidewalk. He has an odor of alcohol on his breath, his speech is slurred, and he is angrily yelling at the police officers. Which one of the following would be most appropriate when talking to the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maintaining eye contact is a non-threatening way to establish rapport and communicate effectively, especially in potentially volatile situations. It helps in building trust and ensuring the patient feels heard and respected. Touching the patient or standing above them can be perceived as threatening or authoritative, which may escalate the situation, especially when the patient is already agitated and under the influence of alcohol. Keeping a safe distance respects personal space and ensures safety, but establishing rapport through eye contact is a more direct and effective communication strategy in this context.

You Have Been Called to a Bar for a Patient