You are caring for a resident when her daughter arrives to visit. While visiting, the daughter becomes upset and starts yelling at the resident. You believe the situation will become physically abusive. The best response is to

You are caring for a resident when her daughter arrives to visit. While visiting, the daughter becomes upset and starts yelling at the resident. You believe the situation will become physically abusive. The best response is to

• A. Contact the authorities
• B. Tell the daughter she's no longer allowed to visit
• C. Leave the room and return when the daughter is calmer
• D. Provide the resident and her daughter time to speak privately

Answer: (A)

When there is an immediate danger of physical abuse toward the resident, safety comes first. In this moment, contacting authorities or facility security brings in trained responders who can rapidly intervene, de-escalate the situation, and prevent harm. It also ensures the incident is handled according to policy and properly documented for the resident’s protection and for accountability. Other options don’t reliably stop the threat or protect the resident. Trying to ban the visitor or delay the response by leaving the room can allow the violence to start or continue, and asking for a private conversation may give space for the abuse to occur without supervision. Following the step to summon help ensures the resident is protected first, then you can proceed with proper reporting and support after the danger has been mitigated.

When there is an immediate danger of physical abuse toward the resident, safety comes first. In this moment, contacting authorities or facility security brings in trained responders who can rapidly intervene, de-escalate the situation, and prevent harm. It also ensures the incident is handled according to policy and properly documented for the resident’s protection and for accountability.

Other options don’t reliably stop the threat or protect the resident. Trying to ban the visitor or delay the response by leaving the room can allow the violence to start or continue, and asking for a private conversation may give space for the abuse to occur without supervision. Following the step to summon help ensures the resident is protected first, then you can proceed with proper reporting and support after the danger has been mitigated.