# Place the nursing actions in order after a client at high risk for elopement cannot be found on the inpatient unit.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396362&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Security Plan  
> category: SIPC

## Question

Place the nursing actions in order after a client at high risk for elopement cannot be found on the inpatient unit.

Confirm the client is not at a scheduled location, summon help, safeguard assigned clients, and search the room and immediate unit

If the immediate search is unsuccessful, expand the search, monitor exits and cameras, and notify outside authorities as the facility plan directs

When the client is found, complete an immediate physical and mental-status assessment and treat or escalate any injury

Document the objective timeline and response, complete required reporting, and revise the individualized elopement-prevention plan

Activate the facility elopement alert and give the charge nurse and security a description, risk status, and last-known location

## Explanation

First exclude a planned movement and begin an immediate unit search without abandoning other clients. Activate the facility-wide alert with a usable description and last-known location. If the client is not found promptly, expand the coordinated search and security response. Assess the client as soon as the client is located, then document the event and strengthen the prevention plan.

## In-depth explanation

Correct sequence
Verify and search the immediate area → activate the security alert → expand the coordinated search → assess the recovered client → document and revise prevention.

Why this is correct
Elopement creates an immediate safety threat. A rapid, coordinated response is more effective than an unstructured search by one nurse. Recovery does not end the response; the client needs assessment for injury or deterioration and the team must correct the failed safeguards.

NCLEX decision rule
Use the facility emergency plan early. Protect current clients, communicate a precise description and last-known location, and close the loop after recovery.References
1CMS: preventable patient-protection events
2NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

## Clinical scenario

Missing-client security response
An older adult with delirium and impaired safety awareness was last seen in the room 5 minutes ago. The client is not scheduled for a test or transfer. Follow the facility's elopement and emergency-security plan; exact notification roles may vary by policy.

## Key concepts

- **Elopement** — An unauthorized departure by a client whose condition or circumstances create a safety risk.
- **Last-Known Location** — The most recent verified place and time at which a missing person was seen.
- **Security Alert** — A facility-defined emergency notification that coordinates search, exit surveillance, and escalation roles.

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