A patient on the neurology unit threatens harm to the nurse. What should be the primary action by the practical nurse?

A patient on the neurology unit threatens harm to the nurse. What should be the primary action by the practical nurse?

• A. Document and report the facts of the threat to the nurse in charge.
• B. Recognize the behavior as related to the diagnosis and not take it personally.
• C. Implement safety strategies to protect herself.
• D. Obtain support from nursing colleagues involved in the care.

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is immediate safety. When a patient on the neurology unit threatens a nurse, the first priority is to protect yourself and others by putting safety measures in place. This means quickly assessing the risk, creating distance, moving to a safe area if needed, and signaling for help or activating the unit’s safety alert according to your facility’s procedures. De-escalation can be attempted, but it doesn’t take precedence over ensuring personal safety so you can continue to manage the situation without putting yourself at risk. Documentation, understanding the behavior in light of the diagnosis, and arranging support from colleagues are all important steps, but they come after the direct safety needs are addressed.

The key idea here is immediate safety. When a patient on the neurology unit threatens a nurse, the first priority is to protect yourself and others by putting safety measures in place. This means quickly assessing the risk, creating distance, moving to a safe area if needed, and signaling for help or activating the unit’s safety alert according to your facility’s procedures. De-escalation can be attempted, but it doesn’t take precedence over ensuring personal safety so you can continue to manage the situation without putting yourself at risk.

Documentation, understanding the behavior in light of the diagnosis, and arranging support from colleagues are all important steps, but they come after the direct safety needs are addressed.