You are called to the scene of an attempted suicide. You arrive to find a 25-year-old man sitting on the sofa who apparently cut his wrists. Family members have bandaged them, and there does not appear to be any bleeding risk at this time. The scene is secure. Your treatment of this patient would include the following except:
a. as soon as possible, perform a history and physical exam and provide emergency care on the wrist, if necessary.
b. perform a detailed physical exam only if it is safe and you suspect the patient may have an injury.
c. contact the receiving hospital and report on current mental status and other essential information.
d. make sure you take charge of the situation. Let the patient know that what he has done is wrong. Tell him he is coming with you whether he likes it or not. Do not worry about gaining the patient's confidence. Take charge. The patient must know that you are the boss.
Answer: d. make sure you take charge of the situation. Let the patient know that what he has done is wrong. Tell him he is coming with you whether he likes it or not. Do not worry about gaining the patient's confidence. Take charge. The patient must know that you are the boss.