VATI Mental Health Assessment Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The most appropriate response when a client who is known to be sometimes violent becomes angry is to move others away from the client. This action prioritizes the safety of all individuals in the environment, including the client displaying aggression. By moving others away, the nurse creates physical space, which can help de-escalate a potentially volatile situation, reducing the risk of harm to both the client and others present.

In situations where a client exhibits anger or possible violent behavior, it's crucial to manage the environment actively. This proactive measure demonstrates an understanding of safety protocols and de-escalation techniques necessary in mental health care settings.

Other options, while they may seem beneficial, do not effectively prioritize immediate safety in the same way. Offering medication could be appropriate under certain circumstances, but it assumes that the situation is stable enough for this intervention, which may not be the case. Asking open-ended questions during a moment of anger might lead to increased agitation rather than resolution. Ignoring the outburst does not address the immediate concern of safety for the group and can potentially lead to escalation of the situation.