Exam 23: Preventing Workplace Violence

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 there is violent behavior on that unit." Which statement would be an appropriate report to this unit's manager?

An emergency department (ED) has doubled its client visits within the past year. This has led to increased wait times and overcrowding in the ED waiting room. Which recommendation by the ED nurse manager to the chief nurse officer (CNO) would be most effective?

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?

The nurse is talking to a client who has a history of aggressive outbursts. What strategies should this nurse use?

A night shift supervisor has been called to the emergency department to assist in managing a violent situation with a visitor. Once the violent person has been contained and security and police have responded, what should be the supervisor's next action?

A nurse manager is investigating a report made by a staff nurse. The nurses states that a visitor backed the nurse up against a wall and was verbally abusive but did not touch the nurse. How should the manager describe this incident to the human resources (HR) director?

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?

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?