Handling an Uncooperative Client Elopement in an Acute Care Psychiatric Unit

An uncooperative client elopes from the acute care psychiatric unit. Which immediate action would the charge nurse use?

Steps to Handling the Situation:

1. Activate the facility's elopement protocol: The charge nurse would immediately activate the facility's elopement protocol, which may involve notifying the security team.

2. Conduct a thorough search of the unit: The charge nurse would conduct a thorough search of the unit to ensure that the client has not simply moved to a different location within the unit.

3. Review the client's chart: The charge nurse would review the client's chart to gather information about the client's history, diagnosis, and behavior patterns.

4. Notify the client's family or guardian: The charge nurse would notify the client's family or guardian of the elopement and provide them with any information that may be helpful in locating the client.

5. Notify the local authorities: If necessary, the charge nurse would notify the local authorities, such as the police or emergency services, to help locate the client.

6. Conduct ongoing monitoring: Once the client is located, the charge nurse would conduct ongoing monitoring of the client's physical and mental status to ensure their safety and well-being.

What are the steps that the charge nurse may take when an uncooperative client elopes from the acute care psychiatric unit?

The steps that the charge nurse may take include activating the facility's elopement protocol, conducting a thorough search of the unit, reviewing the client's chart, notifying the client's family or guardian, notifying the local authorities, and conducting ongoing monitoring to ensure the client's safety and well-being.