A prisoner was bleeding where another inmate had attacked him with a f

A prisoner was bleeding where another inmate had attacked him with a fork. Which of the following would be the correctional nurse’s first and most crucial responsibility?

a. Perform a complete physical assessment, specifically looking for internal injuries
b. Maintain an escape route to help ensure personal safety
c. Report the incident to administration, indicating who was responsible for injuring the inmate
d. Stop the bleeding, apply an antibiotic, and bandage the wound

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Unlike any other care setting, clients are inmates, and care is negotiated and provided with recognition of safety and security issues for the nurse. The nurse must maintain an escape route, should a situation of personal violence be imminent. If the nurse is able to maintain an escape route, the nurse would then be able to complete a physical assessment, stop the bleeding, and then report the incident to administration.