As an Emergency Medicine Resident, are you prepared to handle combative and verbally abusive patients, even if they are spitting and forcefully removing things like IVs and catheters?

"My first concern as a resident will be the safety of everyone present. This may require restraints for the patient in combative situations as well as personal protective equipment for the personnel. If restraints are used, I will accept nothing other than the established ER protocols in place. I recognize that dealing with such maladaptive behavior--even abusive behavior--is part of the job, so I intend to stay on task, regardless of how ugly the situation becomes. Obnoxious, threatening, self-injurious, and abusive behavior can never be taken personally in this environment."

The frequency of this occurring does not mitigate its seriousness. This is one of the most challenging types of patient care you will experience as a resident and physician in practice. Equanimity, self-restraint, and objectivity are the qualities your interviewer needs to hear in your answer, so be sure to express them. Don't hesitate to reiterate that you are aware of hospital procedures for security measures.

"Taking care of abusive patients can be difficult. I will utilize the full resources of the hospital team such as security if needed to protect the patient, myself and other team members as indicated."

"The Emergency Department is often chaotic not just because of patient acuity but also because of disruptive patients like the one you are describing. I am aware that this will unfortunately be a familiar occurrence no matter where I practice and I believe that I am equipped to handle that. I know that medicine is a team sport but that we must protect each other, so safety of my colleagues, other patients, and the patient themselves will be top of mind. I would not hesitate to call security, or to use medications or restraints to protect everyone involved."