If a client states they intend to harm someone, the Psychiatric Technician should

If a client states they intend to harm someone, the Psychiatric Technician should

• A. Maintain confidentiality.
• B. Report the conversation to the charge nurse or supervisor.
• C. Inform the potential victim discreetly.
• D. Document the conversation and say nothing.

Answer: (B)

Safety of others takes precedence over confidentiality when there is a stated intent to harm someone. The Psychiatric Technician should immediately report the disclosure to the charge nurse or supervisor so the team can assess risk, implement safety measures, and involve the appropriate authorities or interventions as needed. This ensures potential victims are protected and the response follows institutional policy and legal duties to warn or protect. Informing the potential victim directly is not appropriate and could escalate risk, and simply documenting the conversation without acting fails to address imminent danger. Follow the facility’s procedures for risk assessment, safety planning, and, if needed, involve security or law enforcement.

Safety of others takes precedence over confidentiality when there is a stated intent to harm someone. The Psychiatric Technician should immediately report the disclosure to the charge nurse or supervisor so the team can assess risk, implement safety measures, and involve the appropriate authorities or interventions as needed. This ensures potential victims are protected and the response follows institutional policy and legal duties to warn or protect. Informing the potential victim directly is not appropriate and could escalate risk, and simply documenting the conversation without acting fails to address imminent danger. Follow the facility’s procedures for risk assessment, safety planning, and, if needed, involve security or law enforcement.