A nurse is assisting with client care on a medical unit when an individual who appears angry and agitated enters the unit and reveals a weapon. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A situation involving an armed and agitated individual in a healthcare setting is a critical security emergency that places clients, visitors, and healthcare staff at immediate risk of harm. The nurse’s priority is personal safety and the safety of others while following facility emergency protocols such as lockdown or active shooter procedures. In such situations, appropriate actions focus on de-escalation through avoidance, maintaining safety barriers, and alerting security without direct confrontation. Any attempt to engage the armed individual increases risk and is contraindicated. Rationale: A. Approaching the armed individual is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted by nursing staff. This action increases the risk of injury or death to the nurse and others. The priority is to avoid confrontation and allow trained security or law enforcement personnel to manage the situation. B. Increasing ringer volume on cell phones is inappropriate and does not contribute to safety during an armed threat. It may increase noise and draw attention, potentially escalating the situation. The priority is silence and minimizing stimuli that could provoke the individual. C. Hiding out of sight is the correct action because it reduces visibility and risk of being targeted by the armed individual. Nurses should follow facility protocols such as lockdown procedures, seek safe shelter, and remain quiet. Maintaining concealment and safety is the priority until authorities secure the area. D. Keeping doors unlocked is unsafe because it allows unrestricted access to clients and staff, increasing the risk of harm. In an active threat situation, doors should be locked or barricaded according to facility emergency protocols. Restricting access helps protect individuals in the unit.