Question

A client on the psychiatric unit sits alone most of the day. the nurse approaches the client. as the nurse gets approximately 3 feet away, the client lets out a string of profanity and shouts, "leave me alone; i don't want to talk to you!" what is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Answer 1

Since the client is throwing tantrums and outburst, it is best to calm the client but taking an action of having to talk to him or her or try to get closer to him or her will likely provoke him or her into doing what he or she is currently doing. It is best for the nurse to calm the client by having to tell him or her that the nurse will leave and will be back as soon as he or she calms down.