Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

What action should be taken if a patient exhibits combative behavior?

1. Isolate the patient immediately

2. Alert a security officer

3. Call law enforcement right away

4. Ignore the behavior

The correct answer is: Alert a security officer

When a patient exhibits combative behavior, alerting a security officer is the appropriate action to take. Security personnel are trained to handle such situations effectively and can intervene quickly and safely. They are equipped to assess the level of threat and can implement de-escalation techniques to manage the situation without escalating it further. This response also ensures that the safety of the patient, staff, and other patients is prioritized while maintaining a controlled environment. Additionally, security officers can involve other necessary healthcare professionals, ensuring the patient receives appropriate care if needed. Involving law enforcement immediately or isolating the patient without proper assessment may lead to unnecessary escalation or further distress for the patient. Ignoring the behavior can potentially place everyone involved at risk, making it crucial to have trained personnel respond to the incident.