Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When assessing a patient with a delusional disorder in the emergency department, who is most likely to have brought the patient to the hospital?

1. Family members

2. Healthcare providers

3. Police

4. Self-referral

The correct answer is: Police

In the context of a delusional disorder, it is often the case that patients are not fully aware of their condition or the need for treatment. This lack of insight can result in individuals being unable or unwilling to seek help on their own, making self-referral a less likely scenario. Family members may attempt to intervene, but the severity of the delusion might preclude effective communication, leading them to seek external assistance. Healthcare providers typically do not bring patients to hospitals unless they are already in a care setting and an emergency arises, so their involvement is usually secondary rather than a primary intervention. Police are commonly involved in situations where a patient may pose a risk to themselves or others due to their delusions. If a patient is showing signs of aggressive behavior or is unable to care for themselves, law enforcement may be called to ensure the safety of the patient and others, leading to transport to the hospital. Given the nature of this scenario, it stands to reason that a patient with a delusional disorder could likely be brought to the emergency department by police, especially in situations where there are concerns surrounding safety or behavioral incidents. Thus, the involvement of police in bringing the patient to the hospital aligns well with typical responses to acute episodes related to