Dealing with agitated patient in ED

PGY1 PGY2 PGY3 PGY4 Psych

ACEP Now published a 5-Step Approach to the Agitated Patient in Nov. 2018, I believe this is a very good resource for our resideints. The 5 steps are categorizing agitation as mild, moderate, or severe, nonpharmacologic de-escalation for mildly or moderately agitated patients, “code white” for moderately and severely agitated patients, safe and effective physical restraints, chemical restraint or sedation, treating immediate life threats and pursuing underlying diagnosis as soon as calming medications take effect.

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