Consider This
Question 1: What methods did the Security Officer and the psychiatric nurse use to keep Aaron from losing control of himself?
They remained non-threatening by using calm voices, avoided touching him, and they did not invade his personal space. The psychiatric nurse used empathic inquiry to engage Aaron in his own treatment.
Question 2: How does the design of the room help or hinder safety in this scenario?
The room appears to have a single doorway; a second means of egress would be safer. Lighting appears to be sufficient. Furnishings include two chairs, a table and two pieces of wall art, none of which appear to be permanently fixed in place. Securing loose objects in place is one way to prevent them from being used as weapons.
Question 3: What work practice controls appear to be in place in this scenario?
Some work practice controls demonstrated in this case include: 1) a standard weapons check, 2) security escorts patient through the building, 3) medical records review, 4) triage assessement for dangerousness with record flagging, 5) security remains posted outside exam room.
Question 4: Where would you place Aaron on the Crisis Continuum? Why?
Aaron is clearly very highly agitated exhibiting pacing, speaking in a raised voice and clenched hands. But is he in crisis? That he put his fist through a wall and was escorted in by police seems to indicate a loss of control that supports a crisis evaluation. The fact that the psych nurse is able to engage Aaron in his own treatment plan and that he is remorseful over his behavior indicates that he has moved out of crisis but remains in a late-stage where crisis may recur. Therefore Aaron is in Post-Crisis Resolution stage.