Author Question: A Russian immigrant created a disturbance while at a funeral. This person was loud, mixed English ... (Read 54 times)

karlynnae · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A Russian immigrant created a disturbance while at a funeral. This person was loud, mixed English and Russian phrases, and made dramatic gestures. Police take the person to the emergency department. The nurse assessing this person should:

a. defer the nursing assessment interview until after the person has calmed down.
b. say, I am going to ask you some questions. Try to answer in English.
c. request a security guard be available during the assessment.
d. request assistance by an interpreter.

Question 2

After an incident in which staff intervention was required to control a patient's aggressive behavior, a critical incident debriefing will take place. Which topics should be covered during the debriefing group? Select all that apply.

a. What, if anything, could have been done to prevent the patient's aggression?
b. Which staff members could most improve their response and by what means?
c. What feelings do staff have about the patient, and do they affect staff's effectiveness?
d. Why was a dangerous patient admitted, and how can this be prevented in the future?
e. Was anyone traumatized emotionally, and if so, how best can this be addressed?
f. What changes could be made in future such situations to achieve a better outcome?

macagnavarro · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
An English-speaking nurse who does not speak the other language cannot accurately assess a person who is mixing English with another native language. Accurate assessment data is vital; hence, calling for an interpreter is necessary and expedient. Hospitals have access to individuals who are fluent in various languages. Deferring the interview should not be an initial option. Data do not suggest the patient is aggressive, although dramatic gestures may be interpreted as aggression in some cultural contexts.

Answer to Question 2

A, C, E, F
The purpose of debriefing after a critical incident is to assure that the event and its effects on all involved are understood, that interventions are critiqued and improved in the future (both for preventing incidents and responding to them), and that arrangements for support and education are made when needed. It is important that such sessions not result in assigning blame in a public setting; if an individual performed poorly or inappropriately, the matter should be addressed in one-to-one clinical supervision instead of during the debriefing. Expecting that potentially dangerous persons not be admitted is unrealistic; persons who may become dangerous also require care, and staff and the admitting institution are responsible for being adequately prepared and capable of providing the needed care safely.