Which action would best reduce risk of intrusions for a patient fearful of visitors?

Which action would best reduce risk of intrusions for a patient fearful of visitors?

• A. Lock doors into the facility
• B. Contact hospital security
• C. Activate security cameras
• D. Transfer to another unit

Answer: (A)

Controlling the environment with a physical barrier is the most effective way to reduce intrusions. Locking doors creates a direct, immediate line of defense that prevents unauthorized entry, which is exactly what a patient who fears visitors needs. It addresses the risk at its source by limiting access, giving staff and the patient a safer space. While contacting security, activating cameras, or transferring the patient to another unit can enhance safety, they don’t prevent intrusions as reliably as securing the doors. Security can respond after an issue arises, cameras deter and aid after-the-fact awareness, and moving the patient may reduce exposure but introduces disruption and may not address the immediate risk. Locking doors provides the strongest, simplest preventive measure in this scenario.

Controlling the environment with a physical barrier is the most effective way to reduce intrusions. Locking doors creates a direct, immediate line of defense that prevents unauthorized entry, which is exactly what a patient who fears visitors needs. It addresses the risk at its source by limiting access, giving staff and the patient a safer space.

While contacting security, activating cameras, or transferring the patient to another unit can enhance safety, they don’t prevent intrusions as reliably as securing the doors. Security can respond after an issue arises, cameras deter and aid after-the-fact awareness, and moving the patient may reduce exposure but introduces disruption and may not address the immediate risk. Locking doors provides the strongest, simplest preventive measure in this scenario.