Which of the following is a risk factor for patient violence?

• A. Male gender
• B. Older age
• C. Calm demeanor
• D. No prior history

Answer: (A)

Male gender is a risk factor because aggression is more commonly observed among men, especially when they are agitated, intoxicated, or experiencing psychiatric distress. This makes male patients more likely to exhibit verbal or physical aggression, so responders should be vigilant, use de-escalation techniques, and keep a safe distance with a clear exit path. In contrast, older age is not typically linked to higher violence risk, a calm demeanor indicates lower likelihood of aggression, and having no prior history does not automatically mean safety—risk can arise even without a documented history. The key is to assess behavior in the moment and respond with appropriate safety measures.