Dealing with an aggressive patient takes care, judgement and self-control.
- Remain calm, listen to what they are saying, ask open-ended questions.
- Reassure them and acknowledge their grievances.
- Provide them with an opportunity to explain what has angered them.
- Maintain eye contact, but not prolonged.
In this post
What should you do if a patient becomes aggressive and combative?
What you should stay instead
- Let the calmest provider to talk to the patient. You probably know who that person is already.
- Speak softer than you think is necessary. You want to be heard, but you can talk far softer than you want to and still communicate just fine.
- Use the patient’s name.
- Use the jury test.
How do you de escalate a violent patient?
Tips for de-escalating angry patients
- Be empathetic and non-judgmental. “Focus on understanding the person’s feelings.
- Respect personal space. “If possible, stand 1.5 to three feet away from the person . . .
- Keep your tone and body language neutral.
- Avoid over-reacting.
- Focus on the thoughts behind the feelings.
How is violent behavior treated?
In order to work through aggressive behaviors, one must first identify the primary cause and underlying factors. The most common way to treat and reduce aggressive behavior in an adult is some form of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
How do nurses deal with violent patients?
Since most patients that arrive at the hospital are fearful or anxious, it is not uncommon for some patients to utilize anger or aggression as a coping mechanism. Therefore, nurses should utilize active listening as a tool to help comfort and reassure patients that they are invested in their safety and recovery.
How do you calm down a patient?
Ease patients’ anxiety with a calming office environment
- Offer a warm reception. When patients come in, greet them warmly with a smile.
- Make the waiting room welcoming and comfortable.
- Offer productive distractions.
- Manage timeline expectations.
- Consider a concierge.
- Engage earnestly.
- Preview the appointment.
- Keep it simple.
What are the 3 stages of de-escalation?
Three Actions You Can Take to De-escalate Conflicts
- Apologize. I seldom see conflict situations where all of the miscommunication, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation of intentions rests entirely on one person.
- Forgive.
- Listen.
How do you address violence and aggression?
Key Things to remember when dealing with aggressive behaviour
- Be self-aware. Try to avoid any physical contact unless absolutely necessary as this may cause provocation.
- Remain objective.
- Non-verbal communication.
- Active listening.
- Provide solutions.
What are the 3 types of aggression?
The NIMH Research Domain Criteria categorize three types of aggression, namely, frustrative nonreward, defensive aggression, and offensive (or proactive) aggression (39).
What are the 4 types of aggression?
There are four types of aggressive behavior: accidental, expressive, instrumental, and hostile.
How do you handle a patient yelling at you?
Keep your cool and don’t be manipulated by the patient’s anger. Never get angry yourself or try to set limits by saying, “Calm down” or “Stop yelling.” As the fireworks explode, maintain eye contact with the patient and just listen. Try to understand the event that triggered the angry outburst.
How do nurses keep patients calm?
They should help them relax by asking them what they need to relax. This can be as simple as providing them a warm blanket, a cup of tea, dimming the lights, or showing them some relaxation techniques such as breathing.
How do you Descalate a hostile situation?
6 Techniques to De-escalate a Threatening Situation
- Listen. When you’re dealing with an angry person it may be tempting to respond quickly but it is important to first listen using active listening skills.
- Offer.
- Wait.
- Look.
- Incline.
- Nod.
- Express.
- Final steps.
What are the 7 stages of de-escalation?
- Phase 1: Calm.
- Phase 2: Triggers.
- Phase 3: Agitation.
- Phase 4: Acceleration.
- Phase 5: Peak.
- Phase 6: De-‐escalation.
- Phase 7: Recovery.
What are the 4 levels of escalation with Behaviour?
What is the Behavior Escalation Cycle?
- Calm Phase: Every student with a history of dangerous and/or severe, high intensity behavior goes from calm to not calm.
- Trigger Phase:
- Agitation:
- Acceleration:
- Peak.
- De-escalation:
- Recovery:
What are the five steps to managing violence and aggression?
Five steps to defuse occupational violence
- Recognise that you are experiencing occupational violence as this allows you to immediately choose your response.
- Stay calm.
- Listen and Clarify.
- Time out.
- Document and report.
How do you respond to aggressive behavior?
Defusing Aggression in Others
- Being aware of your own body language and showing a non-threatening, open stance.
- Keeping good eye contact but ensuring this does not appear confrontational.
- Moving slowly and steadily. Try to keep your physical movements calm.
- Respecting the other person’s personal space.
How do you deal with a verbally aggressive person?
OK, let’s talk about some verbal options when dealing with aggressive individuals.
Management of aggressive behavior
- Try to verbally agree with the person who is angry. Don’t interrupt them, let them vent out their problems even if they’re wrong or don’t make any sense.
- Offer options.
- Identify the problem.
- Empathize.
What is the difference between aggressive and violent?
Aggression is a behaviour motivated by the intent to cause harm to another person who wishes to avoid that harm. Violence is an extreme subtype of aggression, a physical behaviour with the intent to kill or permanently injure another person.
What causes violent behavior?
Factors Which Increase Risk of Violent Behavior
Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse. Exposure to violence in the home and/or community. Being the victim of bullying. Genetic (family heredity) factors.
What causes a person to be violent?
Aggression can happen as a natural response to stress, fear, or a sense of losing control. You might also respond with aggression when you feel frustrated, mistreated, or unheard — especially if you never learned how to manage your emotions effectively.