A client with a gunshot wound fears unwanted visitors. Which safety intervention should the nurse implement to prevent injury?

A client with a gunshot wound fears unwanted visitors. Which safety intervention should the nurse implement to prevent injury?

• A. Contact hospital security
• B. Activate security cameras
• C. Lock doors into the facility
• D. Remove the patient from the unit to reduce risk

Answer: (C)

Controlling the environment to reduce risk is key when a patient is fearful of being harmed. Locking doors into the facility creates a physical barrier that prevents unauthorized visitors from entering the area, giving the patient a protected space and allowing staff to monitor and respond quickly. This direct, immediate safety measure addresses the most evident risk by limiting access at the entry points. While security involvement and surveillance can support safety, they don’t provide the same instant control as a secured doorway. Moving the patient off the unit could disrupt care and transfer the risk elsewhere. So the locked doors offer the strongest, most practical protection in this scenario.

Controlling the environment to reduce risk is key when a patient is fearful of being harmed. Locking doors into the facility creates a physical barrier that prevents unauthorized visitors from entering the area, giving the patient a protected space and allowing staff to monitor and respond quickly. This direct, immediate safety measure addresses the most evident risk by limiting access at the entry points.

While security involvement and surveillance can support safety, they don’t provide the same instant control as a secured doorway. Moving the patient off the unit could disrupt care and transfer the risk elsewhere. So the locked doors offer the strongest, most practical protection in this scenario.