How would you handle a patient who was combative and verbally abusive, including spitting and forcefully removing IVs and catheters?

"If a patient was becoming combative or abusive, my first concern would be the safety of my patient and everyone within range of him or her. Knowing that patients under anesthesia can often become confused and angered, I've developed ways of communicating with them. I use a reassuring and calming voice with them. In a situation like this, my next step after guaranteeing safety would be finding the cause of the problem. Nine times out of ten, the patient is simply confused as they awaken, so I have a simple conversation with them, letting them know where they are and what has just taken place. If the patient was in pain, uncomfortable, or fearful of something else, I would immediately take action to make that situation better."

First, explain to your interviewer that you are fully aware of the potential for a bad interaction with an angry patient at any moment. Don't hesitate to talk about a time you handled a situation like this. Discuss the importance of getting to the root cause of the patient's anger because this will help you and your team improve the situation. Be sure to talk about your communication skills that put patients at ease in stressful situations.