How should a QME handle a patient who is agitated during the evaluation?

The preferred approach for a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) when dealing with an agitated patient is to remain calm, ensure patient safety, and provide reassurance while still aiming to collect the necessary information. This method is crucial as it prioritizes both the emotional and physical well-being of the patient, helping to create a more conducive environment for the evaluation process.

Remaining calm can help to defuse the situation, as patients often respond positively to the demeanor of the evaluator. Additionally, by ensuring patient safety, the QME protects both the individual and any staff present, which is paramount in a medical setting. Providing reassurance can help to alleviate the patient's anxiety and foster cooperation, helping the QME to obtain accurate and useful information that is critical for the evaluation.

This approach contrasts with the other options, which either prematurely terminate the evaluation, ignore the patient's state, or escalate the situation by involving security without first attempting to address the patient's needs directly. The chosen method allows for a more effective evaluation while respecting the patient's experience and addressing their agitation with empathy.