Health Care Utilization by Age Group Related

Review Health Care Utilization by Age Group related questions and content

When a nurse overhears the spouse of a patient threaten to 'smack you good if you don't shut up' while sitting in the unit's dayroom, which action reflects the most immediate, therapeutic nursing intervention?

  • A. Notify hospital security immediately that the situation exists!
  • B. Tell the spouse, 'Your presence is no longer permitted on the unit.'
  • C. Ask the patient if the spouse has ever engaged in physically abusive behavior.
  • D. Tell the spouse, 'The police will be called unless you leave immediately.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify hospital security immediately that the situation exists. This is the most immediate, therapeutic nursing intervention because the safety of the nurse, patient, and others in the unit is the top priority. By involving hospital security, the nurse can ensure a swift and appropriate response to the threatening behavior. This action helps to de-escalate the situation and protect everyone involved.

The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Asking the spouse to leave the unit could escalate the situation further and put the nurse at risk.
C: Asking the patient about the spouse's behavior may not be immediate enough to address the threat.
D: Threatening to call the police could escalate the situation and may not be the best approach to ensure safety for all parties involved.