Question

c. emotional status
d. pain status
questions 21 - 24 are derived from the following scenario: dean, a man in his 50s, is acting irrationally. his wife
states that he thinks he is the dictator of a small country, and he is wearing nothing but a baseball cap and a belt
with a small handgun attached to it.

1. what is your best course of action?

a. call als.
b. assess dean from a distance.
c. have his wife take the gun from him.
d. call for police backup.

Explanation:

When dealing with a potentially dangerous and irrational - acting individual (Dean, who has delusions of being a dictator and is in an odd state of undress), safety is the top priority. Assessing from a distance (Option B) allows for gathering more information without immediately escalating the situation or putting oneself in danger. Calling ALS (Option A) might not be the first step as there is no indication of a medical emergency that ALS would specifically handle. Having his wife take the gun (if there is a gun, which is not clearly stated, but the mention of a "handgun" might be a mis - type or assumption) is dangerous as she could be at risk. Calling for police backup (Option D) might be a step after assessment, but assessment from a distance is a more immediate and safer first action to determine the full situation.

Answer:

B. Assess Dean from a distance.