Handling a Client Elopement Situation in a Mental Health Unit

A client from the mental health unit elopes while the registered nurse (RN) and two nursing assistants (NAs) are supervising 12 clients on a fresh-air break. Which best describes how the nurse should handle the situation?

Final answer: c. Have one NA trail the patient while the RN and the other NA bring the other clients back to the unit.

Explanation: In this situation, the best approach is option C. This decision prioritizes both the safety of the eloped client and the well-being of the other clients. By having one nursing assistant (NA) trail the patient who eloped, the nurse ensures immediate attention to the client who may be in distress or in need of support.

Simultaneously, having the RN and the remaining NA bring the other clients back to the unit is essential to maintain their safety and supervision. This approach divides the responsibilities effectively, ensuring that both the eloped client and the group are accounted for.

Sending both NAs to follow the eloped client (option B) could leave the other clients unsupervised, potentially putting their safety at risk. Similarly, returning to the unit with all NAs and clients before sending one NA to find the eloped client (option D) may cause unnecessary delays in addressing the elopement.

Option A, which suggests getting the eloped client and sending both NAs back to the unit with the other clients, doesn't address the immediate need to locate and ensure the safety of the eloped client, which is of paramount importance in this situation.

In summary, option C balances the need to promptly address the elopement while also ensuring the safety of the remaining clients during this critical incident.

What is the best approach for handling a client elopement situation in a mental health unit?

The best approach for handling a client elopement situation in a mental health unit is to have one nursing assistant trail the eloped patient while the registered nurse and the other nursing assistant bring the remaining clients back to the unit. This ensures immediate attention to the eloped client while maintaining the safety and supervision of the other clients.