What steps should you take if a resident attempts to leave the facility without supervision?

• A. Stay with the resident, use the call light, notify the nurse, and implement safety measures per policy.
• B. Let them leave quietly to maintain independence.
• C. Explain politely and then let them go while monitoring from afar.
• D. Grab them by the arm and restrain them immediately.

Answer: (D)

When a resident tries to leave without supervision, the priority is safety. Stay with the resident to ensure they don’t wander into danger, use the call light to summon help, and immediately notify the nurse or supervisor. Then follow the facility’s safety procedures and policies, which may include monitoring, redirecting the resident, offering choices, removing hazards, and using any approved safety measures (like door alarms or supervision) while documenting the situation. Restraining without an order is not appropriate and can cause harm or violate rights, and letting them go without supervision or monitoring from afar does not protect them. If you need additional steps, the nurse will guide you, but the key is to keep the resident safe while using team-based, policy-driven actions.