What should you do when confronted with a disruptive patient?

When encountering a disruptive patient, seeking assistance from a supervisor is often the most appropriate and effective action. By excusing yourself and finding a supervisor, you engage someone with more experience and authority who can help address the situation. Supervisors are typically trained to handle conflicts and may have strategies in place to de-escalate the situation, ensuring the safety of everyone involved and providing support to the staff confronting the disruption.

This approach not only helps mitigate immediate tension but also allows for a more measured response to the patient's behavior. It acknowledges that certain situations may be beyond the scope of what a trainee or less experienced staff member can handle, thus prioritizing the well-being of patients, staff, and the overall environment.

In contrast, confronting the patient directly could escalate the situation further, and calling security immediately may not always be justified unless the situation becomes violent or poses an immediate threat. Ignoring the behavior would likely allow the disruption to continue, potentially affecting other patients and staff.