Transcript Behavioral Emergencies

Behavioral Emergencies
Behavior
• Defined as the manner in which a person acts or
performs
Behavioral Emergency
• Exists when a person exhibits abnormal
behavior
• Behavior that is unacceptable or intolerable to
the patient, the family, or the community
Physical Causes
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Low blood sugar
Lack of oxygen
Inadequate blood to the brain
Head Trauma
Mind-altering substances
Excessive cold
Excessive heat
ALWAYS consider that unusual behavior is caused by
something other than a psychological problem
Situational Stress Reactions
• Severe, unexpected stress will cause patients to
display fear, grief, and anger
• Apply crisis management skills
• Do not rush your patient
• Reassure them that you are there to help
Psychiatric Emergency
• Signs and Symptoms
– Panic or anxiety
– Unusual appearance, disordered clothing, poor
hygiene
– Agitated or unusual activity
– Unusual speech patterns
– Bizarre behavior or thought patterns
– Suicidal or self-destructive behavior
– Violent or aggressive behavior
Patient Care
• Be alert – Safety first!
• Treat any life-threatening problems
• Be prepared to spend time talking with the
patient
• Encourage the patient to discuss the problem
• NEVER play along with visual or auditory
hallucinations
• Involve family members or friends, IF it helps
Suicide
• 8th leading cause of death
• 3rd leading cause of death in 15-to 24-year olds
• Many reasons and methods
Suicide Assessment
• Factors that indicate a high risk for suicidal behavior:
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Depression
High stress levels
Recent emotional trauma
Age
Alcohol and drug abuse
Threats of suicide
Suicide plan
Previous attempts or threats
Sudden improvement form depression
Suicide Patient Care
• Treatment must begin with scene size-up – safety first!
• Treat life-threatening problems
– Seek police assistance if necessary
• Perform focused history and physical exam
• Detailed physical exam
– ONLY if safe and the pt has a suspected injury
• Ongoing assessment – watch for sudden changes
• Contact receiving hospital
Aggressive/Hostile Patients
• Your assessment may never go beyond initial
assessment
• Can be caused by various medical conditions
– Ex. Metabolic disorders, trauma to the brain, stress
Aggressive Patient
• The aggressive patient will:
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Respond to people inappropriately
Try to hurt himself or others
Possibly have a rapid pulse and breathing
Display rapid speech and rapid physical movements
Appear anxious or nervous
Patient Care
• Safety first!
• Seek advice from medical direction if behavior
prevents further assessment
• Watch for sudden changes in behavior
• Seek assistance from law enforcement
Reasonable Force
• Always use reasonable amount of force
• If restraints are used, be cautious of positional
asphyxia