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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Check Your Understanding

Question 1: Which of these are basic measures individual nurses can take to minimize risk of workplace violence?

Please select ALL that apply:

Removing anything from your person that can be used as a weapon Working as many double shifts as allowed to gain experience Acknowledging that if a personal history of abuse exists, it may impact your thought process All of the above

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Question 2: For healthcare providers who must work away from a healthcare institutional setting, many violent incidents can be prevented by taking which of the following precautions?

Please select ALL that apply:

Check patient records for notes concerning a history a violence Check to see if patient (or family member) is on a sexual predator list Travel with a cell phone

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Question 3: True or False: Certain verbal and non-verbal cues can help a nurse to recognize when someone poses a greater threat for violent behavior.

Please select ONE of the following:

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Question 4: True or False: When a person folds their arms tightly across their chest it means they are getting ready to commit a violent act.

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Question 5: True or False: Healthcare professionals must rely on instinct alone to determine if someone is about to become violent.

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Question 6: True or False: Risk assessment tools predict with 100% accuracy which individuals are going to act out in a violent manner.

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Page last reviewed: February 18, 2026

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health