Violent Behaviour in the ED Case 3

A 60-year-old man is accompanied in the ED by his relative. They have been in the department for two hours while you  await for blood test results to complete your assessment. His relative has asked several times how long they will be.

Unfortunately, the lab has not received the blood sample; it appears to have gotten lost. You go into the cubicle to explain and take another sample. As you do this the relative stands and approaches you, starts talking in a loud angry voice, waving his hands and   pointing his finger at you.

What factors may have contributed to this relative’s behaviour?

List three factors.

Carefully consider this ED cubicle.

What are the potential hazards in the room, when dealing with this patient and his relative?

What is the best way of managing this situation?

There are twelve possible answers; try to list nine.

How could this situation have been avoided?