Volume 16, Issue 2 (3-2026)
3 2026, 16(2): 59-65 |
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Tajari A, Tajari I, Roshani A, Moradi A, Sanagoo A. A case report of the ethical challenge of nurses' unprofessional response to an aggressive patient with sev ere physical injuries. 3 2026; 16 (2) :59-65
URL: http://ndhj.lums.ac.ir/article-1-466-en.html
URL: http://ndhj.lums.ac.ir/article-1-466-en.html
Abstract: (65 Views)
Introduction: Nurses often consider patients as the primary cause of their retaliatory behaviors, whereas some inappropriate actions by patients may stem from physical or psychological conditions related to their illness. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report a case of ethical challenge involving an unprofessional reaction by nurses toward an aggressive patient with severe physical injuries.
Case presentation: An 18-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital following a car accident, suffering from a brain injury and multiple fractures. After partial recovery of consciousness, he became irritable and displayed inappropriate behavior. During a night shift, the patient's offensive remarks triggered an emotional reaction from a male nurse, who responded with unprofessional actions including painful injections and unconventional physical restraint. The following morning, signs of physical injury were observed, and appropriate wound care treatment was initiated. With medical attention, the patient's wounds healed within two days.
Conclusion: Insufficient knowledge and skills in managing the patient's abnormal behaviors led to retaliatory reactions from the nurse. Such treatment of a vulnerable patient not only undermines the credibility of the nursing system but also poses a serious challenge to the principles of professionalism in this field.
Case presentation: An 18-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital following a car accident, suffering from a brain injury and multiple fractures. After partial recovery of consciousness, he became irritable and displayed inappropriate behavior. During a night shift, the patient's offensive remarks triggered an emotional reaction from a male nurse, who responded with unprofessional actions including painful injections and unconventional physical restraint. The following morning, signs of physical injury were observed, and appropriate wound care treatment was initiated. With medical attention, the patient's wounds healed within two days.
Conclusion: Insufficient knowledge and skills in managing the patient's abnormal behaviors led to retaliatory reactions from the nurse. Such treatment of a vulnerable patient not only undermines the credibility of the nursing system but also poses a serious challenge to the principles of professionalism in this field.
Keywords: Case Report, Ethical Challenge, Unprofessional Response, Aggressive Patient, Physical Injury
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/09/18 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | Published: 2026/03/1
Received: 2025/09/18 | Accepted: 2026/02/24 | Published: 2026/03/1
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