What type of violence occurs when a patient strikes a nurse during medication administration?

The scenario described involves a patient physically striking a nurse during medication administration, which clearly falls under the category of client-on-worker violence. This type of violence occurs in healthcare settings when a patient exhibits aggressive behavior towards healthcare workers, such as nurses, physicians, or support staff.

In this context, the nurse is performing a task related to patient care, and the patient’s behavior is directed at the nurse, making it client-on-worker violence. Understanding this type of violence is crucial for developing effective workplace safety protocols and training programs aimed at preventing such incidents, recognizing the unique vulnerabilities healthcare workers face in potentially volatile environments.

This categorization helps healthcare facilities to implement specific strategies for violence prevention and to provide appropriate training for staff who may encounter aggressive patients. The focus is on the dynamics of the interaction, which is key to appropriately addressing and mitigating risks in healthcare settings.