A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is brought to the emergency department triage area experiencing an acute psychotic episode. The client is pacing rapidly, intensely scanning the room, and shouting, 'They planted a device in my chest! I have to cut it out before it detonates!' The client grabs a hard plastic pen from the registration desk and holds the point firmly against their chest. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
- AVerbally confront the client's delusion by calmly stating, 'You are in a hospital, and there is no explosive device inside your chest.'
- BDirect an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to continuously monitor the client in the room while the nurse retrieves emergency psychiatric medication.
- Maintain a safe distance, clear bystanders from the immediate area, and activate the behavioral emergency response team.Cevap
- DInstruct security personnel to immediately apply physical restraints to prevent the client from inflicting a life-threatening injury.
Cevap
The correct action is to maintain a safe distance, clear the area of bystanders, and activate the behavioral emergency response team.
In an acute psychiatric emergency where a client is armed and actively threatening self-harm due to a delusion, the nurse's highest priority is immediate safety. Maintaining a safe distance prevents staff injury, clearing bystanders protects others and reduces sensory stimulation, and activating a specialized team ensures sufficient resources are present to safely manage the crisis.
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Anahtar Kavram
Management of Acute Psychiatric Emergencies and Milieu Safety