A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client’s risk to become violent.

Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

This is an example of a therapeutic communication technique that validates the client’s feelings and encourages them to express their emotions verbally rather than physically.
It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s perspective.
Choice A is wrong because engaging the panic alarm is not the first action to take when interacting with an agitated client.
The nurse should first try to calm the client down by using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as maintaining eye contact, speaking in a calm and clear voice, and avoiding sudden movements or gestures.
Engaging the panic alarm should be done only if the client becomes violent or poses a threat to themselves or others.
Choice B is wrong because using a face shield with a mask when providing care to the client is not relevant to the situation.
This is personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to prevent exposure to infectious agents or body fluids, not to manage agitation.
Using a face shield with a mask may also increase the client’s anxiety or paranoia, as they may perceive it as a sign of hostility or fear.
Choice D is wrong because initiating the seclusion protocol is not appropriate for a client who is agitated, pacing, and speaking loudly.
Seclusion is a restrictive intervention that involves isolating the client in a locked room to prevent harm to themselves or others.
It should be used only as a last resort when less restrictive measures have failed or are contraindicated, and only with a provider’s order and close monitoring.
Secluding an agitated client may escalate their behavior and violate their rights.
Normal ranges for agitation are not applicable, as agitation is not a quantifiable parameter.
However, some tools that can be used to assess agitation include the Richmond Agitation- Sedation Scale (RASS), which ranges from -5 (unarousable) to +4 (combative), and the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), which ranges from 14 (no agitation) to 56 (severe agitation).

This is because the nurse should provide honest and accurate information to the child about the reporting process and the possible outcomes, such as legal actions, investigations, or removal from the home.
This can help the child feel more prepared and less anxious about what will happen next. The nurse should also reassure the child that the abuse is not their fault and that they did the right thing by telling someone.

Choice A is wrong because reassuring the child that no one will be told about the abuse is unethical and illegal.
The nurse has a mandatory duty to report any suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. Keeping the abuse a secret can also endanger the child’s safety and well-being, as well as prevent them from receiving the necessary medical and psychological care.

Choice B is wrong because ensuring that multiple nurses are present for the physical examination can increase the child’s fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.
The nurse should minimize the number of people involved in the examination and only include those who are essential for providing care or collecting evidence. The nurse should also explain to the child what will be done during the examination and obtain their consent before proceeding.

Choice D is wrong because using leading statements to obtain information from the child can influence their responses and affect the validity of their testimony.
The nurse should use open-ended questions and avoid suggesting or implying any details about the abuse. The nurse should also document the child’s statements verbatim and avoid interpreting or paraphrasing them.