For the nurse's safety, what should be the initial action when an agitated patient enters the ED demanding to be seen?

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Multiple Choice

For the nurse's safety, what should be the initial action when an agitated patient enters the ED demanding to be seen?

Safety comes first when an agitated patient arrives demanding to be seen. The best first move is to put physical space between you and the patient by moving to a safe location and then summon security or additional staff. This reduces the immediate risk of harm, buys time to assess the situation, and allows you to set up a protective plan with security while using calm, nonconfrontational communication from a safe position. Attempts to restrain or coerce the patient—telling them to stay calm, or implying they’ll be sent away unless they behave—can escalate aggression and increase danger. Moving to a safe place and calling for help is the prudent, protective starting point.

Safety comes first when an agitated patient arrives demanding to be seen. The best first move is to put physical space between you and the patient by moving to a safe location and then summon security or additional staff. This reduces the immediate risk of harm, buys time to assess the situation, and allows you to set up a protective plan with security while using calm, nonconfrontational communication from a safe position. Attempts to restrain or coerce the patient—telling them to stay calm, or implying they’ll be sent away unless they behave—can escalate aggression and increase danger. Moving to a safe place and calling for help is the prudent, protective starting point.

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