Exam 24: Preventing Workplace Violence

An emergency department (ED) client is demanding pain medication and threatening to harm staff if they do not provide it. The ED physician calmly continues to ask the client about the level and location of pain as the nurse steps away and notifies security. What is the physician attempting to do by asking these questions?

A highly intoxicated client is brought to the emergency department. Paramedics report that the client was violent during transport and tried to kick the door out of the ambulance. How should the nurse prepare before seeing this client? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

Potential violence in healthcare organizations can include what risk factors?

A chief nurse officer (CNO) is contacted by the organization's supervisor on a Saturday night regarding a problem in the hospital's emergency department. The supervisor describes an incident in which an orderly was assaulted. Why is the CNO not surprised about this report?

The emergency department (ED) has seen an increase in violent behavior over the past year. The manager has voiced concerns to the chief nurse officer (CNO) regarding the safety of the ED staff. What should be done as a first step in addressing this issue?

When a nurse enters the room, the client states, "He has a gun," and points toward a male visitor. The nurse does not see a gun. What should the nurse do?

An ICU nurse has just assisted the physician in placing a central line in a client. Over the past few days, the client's son has been increasingly verbally abusive to the nursing staff. The unit secretary tells the nurse that the son is at the nurse's station demanding to see the client. Which action by the nurse is most important?

The hospital operator announced over the paging system, "Dr. Strong, fourth floor, A-wing, Dr. Strong, fourth floor, A-wing." A newly hired nurse asks another nurse, "Who is Dr. Strong?" The nurse replies, "This is the announcement that alerts security that there is violent behavior on that unit." Which statement would be an appropriate report to this unit's manager?

A nurse hears screaming from a client's room. A male visitor leaves the client's room. Which is the nurse's priority action?

A nurse appears in the nursing station with multiple facial lacerations and says, "A visitor hit me." What is the manager's priority action?

A staff nurse is known for having temper tantrums when the unit is stressful. The nurse slams doors, grumbles, and is demeaning to coworkers. The behavior has never been violent, but today it is becoming more threatening. The nurse just came into the station and said, "My nurse assistant is stupid. I'm not going to put up with that much longer. She needs to be put in her place." How should the manager respond to this situation? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

A geriatric client in a long-term-care facility becomes increasingly confused and verbally aggressive as evening approaches. Which actions would the nurse interpret as potentially signaling a violent episode? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

An ICU unit has experienced an influx of aggressive behaviors by visitors against nurses The ICU manager has instituted a policy to limit visiting hours. An employee asks the manager why the change in visiting hours has been implemented. Which response is likely the most accurate?

Two nurses are in the day room when a visitor approaches and starts yelling about the care his mother is receiving. One nurse says, "I'm sorry you are upset. What can I do for you?" The visitor continues to complain more loudly. What should the other nurse do? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

The nurse has just been notified that a client is to be admitted from the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of alcohol intoxication. The ED nurse says they have been unable to obtain much history because of the client's lethargic state. Which action is an appropriate intervention by the nurse?

As part of a presentation on healthcare workplace violence, the speaker says, "Injuries to nurses from violent acts in the workplace are probably underreported." What rationale should the speaker offer for this statement? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply.

An OB nurse is caring for an unmarried woman who is in labor. The nurse learns the client is unwilling to name the baby's father. A male visitor who comes to visit the client raises the nurse's concern that he might be violent. Which behavior would raise this concern?

A nurse is caring for a client who is aggressive, demanding, and verbally abusive toward staff and visitors. The client says, "I'm getting out of here. I'm going to end it all." What immediate action should the nurse take?

A manager is following up on an employee's injuries. The manager has contacted human resources to initiate the process of worker's compensation. Which action would be appropriate by the manager?

A nurse enters a client's room and sees a visitor threatening the client. The nurse questions the visitor in a nonthreatening manner. The visitor begins to threaten the nurse. What should the nurse do in this situation?