How is severely agitated patient treated in the acute setting?
Here is the general approach to the severely agitated patient in the acute setting
First, ensure caretaker safety.
A quiet, low-stimulation, safe environment (i.e., free of movable objects and sharp edges) should be sought for the agitated patient.
Evaluation should include consideration of potentially contributory medications (e.g., anticholinergics), substances (e.g., cocaine), pain, infection, or other underlying medical problems.
Emergency medications should be considered.
