Resident got into a verbal argument with a peer about the line order while getting lunch, which soon escalated into a physical altercation. Staff was able to intervene and stepped between the resident and peer. The resident attempted to punch the peer multiple times, but a staff member was using her body to shield the peer and she was hit multiple times. Another peer struck the resident on the left side of the head while the resident was focused on attempting to hit his peer. A second staff member was able to get the resident away from the altercation.
The resident was assessed by nursing and was found to have a laceration on the pinna of left ear. The wound was cleaned, and a sterile dressing was applied. Ibuprofen was given for comfort and APRN was notified. Orders were received to take the resident to the Washington Regional Medical Center ER for evaluation and treatment, where he received 3 sutures.