Agitated or combative patient: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
* '''Violence may occur without warning''' | *'''Violence may occur without warning''' | ||
* Positive predictors of violence | *Positive predictors of violence | ||
** Male gender | **Male gender | ||
** History of violence | **History of violence | ||
** Substance abuse | **Substance abuse | ||
** Psychiatric illness | **Psychiatric illness | ||
*** Schizophrenia, Psychotic depression | ***[[Schizophrenia]], Psychotic [[depression]] | ||
*** Personality disorders - lack remorse for violent | ***[[Personality disorders]] - (e.g. antisocial personality disorder patients may lack remorse for violent actions_ | ||
*** Mania - unpredictable because of emotional lability | ***[[bipolar disorder|Mania]] - unpredictable because of emotional lability | ||
** Increased '''waiting''' duration (for evaluation, results, treatment, etc) | **Increased '''waiting''' duration (for evaluation, results, treatment, etc) | ||
* Factors that '''do not''' predict violence | *Factors that '''do not''' predict violence | ||
** Ethnicity, diagnosis, age, marital status, and education | **Ethnicity, diagnosis, age, marital status, and education | ||
** Evaluation by psychiatrist, '''regardless of experience''' | **Evaluation by psychiatrist, '''regardless of experience''' | ||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
* Escalation behaviors include progression through: | *Escalation behaviors may include progression through: | ||
** | **Anger, resistance, aggression, hostility, argumentativeness, violence | ||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
''FIND ME (functional, infectious, neurologic, drugs, metabolic, endocrine)'' | |||
* Psychiatric | *Psychiatric | ||
** Schizophrenia | **[[Schizophrenia]], paranoid ideation, catatonic excitement | ||
**[[Bipolar disorder|Mania]] | |||
**Personality disorders ([[borderline personality disorder|borderline]], [[antisocial personality disorder|antisocial]]) | |||
** Mania | **Delusional [[depression]] | ||
** Personality disorders ( | **Post-traumatic stress disorder | ||
** Delusional depression | **Decompensating obsessive-compulsive disorders | ||
** Post-traumatic stress disorder | *Situational Frustration | ||
** Decompensating obsessive-compulsive disorders | **Mutual hostility | ||
**Miscommunication | |||
* Situational Frustration | **Fear of dependence or rejection | ||
** Mutual hostility | **Fear of illness | ||
** Miscommunication | **Guilt about disease process | ||
** Fear of dependence or rejection | *Antisocial Behavior | ||
** Fear of illness | **Violence with no associated medical or psychiatric explanation | ||
** Guilt about disease process | *Organic Diseases | ||
* Antisocial Behavior | **[[Head trauma]] | ||
** Violence with no associated medical or psychiatric explanation | **[[Hypoxia]] | ||
* Organic Diseases | **[[Hypoglycemia]] or [[hyperglycemia]] | ||
** | **[[Electrolyte abnormality]] | ||
** Hypoxia | **Infection | ||
** Hypoglycemia or | ***CNS infection (eg, herpes [[encephalitis]]) | ||
** Electrolyte abnormality | ***[[AIDS]] | ||
** Infection | **Endocrine disorder | ||
*** CNS infection (eg, herpes encephalitis) | ***[[Thyrotoxicosis]] | ||
*** AIDS | ***[[Hyperparathyroidism]] | ||
** Endocrine disorder | **[[Seizure]] (eg, temporal lobe, limbic) | ||
*** Thyrotoxicosis | **[[CNS tumor]] (limbic system) | ||
*** Hyperparathyroidism | **Autoimmune Disease | ||
** Seizure (eg, temporal lobe, limbic) | ***[[Limbic encephalitis]] | ||
** | ***[[Multiple sclerosis]] | ||
** Autoimmune Disease | **[[Porphyria]] | ||
*** Limbic encephalitis | **[[Wilson's disease]] | ||
*** Multiple sclerosis | **Huntington’s disease | ||
** Porphyria | **Sleep disorders | ||
** | **[[Vitamin deficiencies]] (e.g. folate, B12, niacin, B6) | ||
** Huntington’s disease | **[[Delirium]] | ||
** Sleep disorders | **[[Dementia]] | ||
** Vitamin | **[[Cerebrovascular accident]] | ||
**Vascular malformation (e.g. [[AVM]]) | |||
**[[Hypothermia]] or [[hyperthermia]] | |||
**[[Anemia]] | |||
*Tox | |||
**Adverse reaction to prescribed medication | |||
** | **[[Alcohol]] (intoxication and withdrawal) | ||
**[[Amphetamines]] | |||
** Cerebrovascular accident | **[[Cocaine]] | ||
** Vascular malformation | **[[Sedative/Hypnotics]] (intoxication or withdrawal) | ||
** [[Hypothermia]] or hyperthermia | **[[Phencyclidine]] (PCP) | ||
** Anemia | **[[Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)]] | ||
* | **[[Anticholinergics]] | ||
** Adverse reaction to prescribed medication | **Aromatic [[hydrocarbons]] (eg, glue, paint, gasoline) | ||
** Alcohol (intoxication and withdrawal) | **[[Steroids]] | ||
** Amphetamines | |||
** Cocaine | |||
** Sedative | |||
** Phencyclidine (PCP) | |||
** Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) | |||
** Anticholinergics | |||
** Aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, glue, paint, gasoline) | |||
** Steroids | |||
==Evaluation== | ==Evaluation== | ||
* '''Screen for acute medical conditions that may contribute to the patient's behavior.''' | *'''Screen for acute medical conditions that may contribute to the patient's behavior.''' | ||
** Always obtain: | **Always obtain: | ||
*** Blood glucose | ***Blood glucose | ||
*** Vitals, including pulse oximetry | ***Vitals, including pulse oximetry | ||
** Consider: | **Consider: | ||
*** Metabolic panel: serum electrolytes, thyroid function | ***Metabolic panel: serum electrolytes, thyroid function | ||
*** Toxicology screen and blood alcohol levels | ***Toxicology screen and blood alcohol levels | ||
*** Lumbar puncture (CNS infection) | ***Ammonia level | ||
*** Aspirin and acetaminophen levels (intentional ingestion) | ***Urine analysis | ||
*** Medication levels (sub- vs super-therapeutic) | ***[[Lumbar puncture]] (CNS infection) | ||
*** Electrocardiogram (elders, intentional ingestion). | ***Aspirin and acetaminophen levels (intentional ingestion) | ||
*** Cranial imaging | ***Medication levels (sub- vs super-therapeutic) | ||
*** Electroencephalography | ***[[Electrocardiogram]] (elders, intentional ingestion). | ||
* '''Unnecessary diagnostic testing prolongs ED stay and delays definitive psychiatric care.''' | ***Cranial imaging | ||
** '''Organic cause unlikely''' → ''may not'' require further workup | ***Electroencephalography | ||
*** Younger than 40 years | *'''Unnecessary diagnostic testing prolongs ED stay and delays definitive psychiatric care.''' | ||
*** Prior psychiatric history | **'''Organic cause unlikely''' → ''may not'' require further workup | ||
*** Normal physical examination | ***Younger than 40 years | ||
**** Normal vital signs | ***Prior psychiatric history | ||
**** Calm demeanor | ***Normal physical examination | ||
**** Normal orientation | ****Normal vital signs | ||
**** No physical complaints | ****Calm demeanor | ||
** '''Organic cause more likely''' → ''does'' require further workup | ****Normal orientation | ||
*** Acute onset of agitated behavior | ****No physical complaints | ||
*** Behavior that waxes and wanes over time | **'''Organic cause more likely''' → ''does'' require further workup | ||
*** Older than 40 years with new psychiatric symptoms | ***Acute onset of agitated behavior | ||
*** Elders (higher risk for delirium) | ***Behavior that waxes and wanes over time | ||
*** History of substance abuse (intoxication or withdrawal) | ***Older than 40 years with new psychiatric symptoms | ||
*** Persistently abnormal vital signs | ***Elders (higher risk for delirium) | ||
*** Clouding of consciousness | ***History of substance abuse (intoxication or withdrawal) | ||
*** Focal neurologic findings | ***Persistently abnormal vital signs | ||
***Clouding of consciousness | |||
***Focal neurologic findings | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
===Risk assessment=== | ===Risk assessment=== | ||
* Screen for weapons and disarm prior to entrance to ED | *Screen for weapons and disarm prior to entrance to ED | ||
* '''Violence may occur without warning''' | *'''Violence may occur without warning''' | ||
* '''Be aware of surroundings''' | *'''Be aware of surroundings''' | ||
** Signs of anger, resistance, aggression, hostility, argumentativeness, violence | **Signs of anger, resistance, aggression, hostility, argumentativeness, violence | ||
** Accessibility of door for escape | **Accessibility of door for escape | ||
** Presence of objects that may be used as weapons | **Presence of objects that may be used as weapons | ||
===Verbal | ===Verbal de-escalation techniques=== | ||
* Be honest and straightforward; Ask about violence directly | *Be honest and straightforward; Ask about violence directly | ||
** Suicidal or homicidal ideations and plans | **Suicidal or homicidal ideations and plans | ||
** Possession of weapons | **Possession of weapons | ||
** History of violent behavior | **History of violent behavior | ||
** Current use of intoxicants | **Current use of intoxicants | ||
* Be nonconfrontational, attentive, and receptive | *Be nonconfrontational, attentive, and receptive | ||
** Respond in a calm and soothing tone | **Respond in a calm and soothing tone | ||
* '''Three Fs framework''': | **Express concern/worry about the patient | ||
** I understand how you could '''feel''' that way. | *'''Three Fs framework''': | ||
** Others in that situation have '''felt''' that way, too. | **I understand how you could '''feel''' that way. | ||
** Most have '''found''' that _____ helps." | **Others in that situation have '''felt''' that way, too. | ||
* '''Avoid argumentation, machismo, and condescension''' | **Most have '''found''' that _____ helps." | ||
* '''Do not ''threaten'' ''' to call security — Invites patient to challenge with violence | *'''Avoid argumentation, machismo, and condescension''' | ||
* '''Do not ''deceive'' ''' (eg, about estimated wait times) — Invites violence when lie is uncovered | *'''Do not ''threaten'' ''' to call security — Invites patient to challenge with violence | ||
* '''Do not ''command'' ''' to calm down — Invites further escalation | *'''Do not ''deceive'' ''' (eg, about estimated wait times) — Invites violence when lie is uncovered | ||
* '''Do not ''downplay'', ''deny'', or ''ignore'' '''threatening behavior | *'''Do not ''command'' ''' to calm down — Invites further escalation | ||
* '''Do not ''hesitate'' ''' — Leave and call for help if necessary | *'''Do not ''downplay'', ''deny'', or ''ignore'' '''threatening behavior | ||
*'''Do not ''hesitate'' ''' — Leave and call for help if necessary | |||
===Chemical Restraints (Rapid Tranquilization)=== | ===Chemical Restraints (Rapid Tranquilization)=== | ||
* Offer voluntary administration to patient — increased sense of control may calm patient | *Offer voluntary administration to patient — increased sense of control may calm patient | ||
*If need to temporary physical restraint the patient: One arm up, one arm down, tie legs to opposite side of bed. [https://emcrit.org/emcrit/human-bondage-chemical-takedown/ Reference with video] | |||
*Suggested protocol for continued agitation: antipsychotic Q5 min x 2, then ketamine IM | *Suggested protocol for continued agitation: antipsychotic Q5 min x 2, then ketamine IM | ||
**E.g. [[Droperidol]] | **E.g. [[Droperidol]] 5mg (or [[haloperidol]] 5mg) IM Q5 min x 2, then [[ketamine]] 300mg IM | ||
* Neuroleptics ([[Antipsychotics]]) | *[[Ketamine]], at a dose of 4-6 mg/kg IM, achieves sedation in 2-10 minutes. Few medications, if any, reliably achieve effective sedation this quickly following a single dose. <ref> Westafer, Lauren. “Patients with Severe Agitation in the ED.” ACEP NOW, vol. 42, no. 12, https://www.acepnow.com/article/which-sedatives-are-best-for-managing-severe-agitation-in-the-emergency-department/.</ref>. | ||
** Atypical antipsychotics | *Other protocols involve combination therapy<ref>[http://www.emdocs.net/the-art-of-the-ed-takedown/ The Art of the ED Takedown EMDocs]</ref>. | ||
*** Less sedation and [[EPS]] (than typical) | *Neuroleptics ([[Antipsychotics]]) | ||
*** Increased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis | **Atypical antipsychotics | ||
*** [[olanzapine]], [[ziprasidone]], and [[aripiprazole]] | ***Less sedation and [[EPS]] (than typical) | ||
** Typical antipsychotics (low potency) | ***Increased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis | ||
*** Greater sedation, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (than high-potency) | ***[[olanzapine]], [[ziprasidone]], and [[aripiprazole]] | ||
*** [[chlorpromazine]] and [[thioridazine]] | **Typical antipsychotics (low potency) | ||
** Typical antipsychotics (medium potency) | ***Greater sedation, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (than high-potency) | ||
*** [[loxapine]] and [[molindone]] | ***[[chlorpromazine]] and [[thioridazine]] | ||
** Typical antipsychotics (high potency) | **Typical antipsychotics (medium potency) | ||
*** Greater [[EPS]] (than low-potency) | ***[[loxapine]] and [[molindone]] | ||
*** [[butyrophenones]]: [[haloperidol]] and [[droperidol]] | **Typical antipsychotics (high potency) | ||
** Cautions | ***Greater [[EPS]] (than low-potency) | ||
*** [[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome]] — rare | ***[[butyrophenones]]: [[haloperidol]] and [[droperidol]] | ||
*** [[Extrapyramidal symptoms]] — treat with [[diphenhydramine]] or [[benztropine]] | **Cautions | ||
*** [[QTc prolongation]] and [[torsades de pointes]] | ***[[Neuroleptic malignant syndrome]] — rare | ||
***[[Extrapyramidal symptoms]] — treat with [[diphenhydramine]] or [[benztropine]] | |||
***[[QTc prolongation]] and [[torsades de pointes]] | |||
*[[Ketamine]]<ref>Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587</ref> | *[[Ketamine]]<ref>Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587</ref> | ||
**4-6mg/kg IM or 1mg/kg IV | **4-6mg/kg IM or 1mg/kg IV | ||
* [[Benzodiazepines]] | *[[Benzodiazepines]] | ||
**''"There is increasing evidence that benzodiazepines alone and in combination with antipsychotics are associated with higher rates of adverse effects.''<ref>Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587</ref> | **''"There is increasing evidence that benzodiazepines alone and in combination with antipsychotics are associated with higher rates of adverse effects.''<ref>Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587</ref> | ||
** [[Lorazepam]] — Eliminated without active metabolites | **[[Lorazepam]] — Eliminated without active metabolites | ||
*** Onset: 5-20 min (IV), 15-30 min (IM) | ***Onset: 5-20 min (IV), 15-30 min (IM) | ||
*** Duration: 6-8 H | ***Duration: 6-8 H | ||
** [[Midazolam]] | **[[Midazolam]] | ||
*** Onset: 15 min (IM) | ***Onset: 15 min (IM) | ||
*** Duration: 2 H | ***Duration: 2 H | ||
*Typical intramuscular dosing for adult patients:<ref>Klein LR, Driver BE, Miner JR, et al. Intramuscular Midazolam, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone, or Haloperidol for Treating Acute Agitation in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2018;72(4):374-385.</ref> | |||
**Haloperidol 5-10mg IM, ziprasidone 20mg IM, olanzapine 10mg IM, and midazolam 5mg IM. | |||
***In order from slowest to quickest time to effect | |||
===Physical restraints=== | ===Physical restraints=== | ||
* '''Not for convenience or punishment''' | *'''Not for convenience or punishment''' | ||
* Indications for seclusion or restraint | *Indications for seclusion or restraint | ||
** Imminent danger to self, others, or environment | **Imminent danger to self, others, or environment | ||
** Part of ongoing behavioral treatment | **Part of ongoing behavioral treatment | ||
* Contraindications to seclusion | *Contraindications to seclusion | ||
** Patient is unstable and requires close monitoring | **Patient is unstable and requires close monitoring | ||
** Patient is self-harming (suicidal, self-mutilating, toxin ingestion) | **Patient is self-harming (suicidal, self-mutilating, toxin ingestion) | ||
* Caveats | *Caveats | ||
** Allow for adequate chest expansion for ventilation | **Allow for adequate chest expansion for ventilation | ||
** Sudden death has occurred in the prone or hobble position | **Sudden death has occurred in the prone or hobble position | ||
==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
* Admit or commit when... | ===Admit=== | ||
** Harm to self | *Admit or commit when... | ||
** Harm to others | **Harm to self | ||
** Cannot care for self | **Harm to others | ||
** Uncooperative, refusing to answer questions | **Cannot care for self | ||
** Intoxicated | **Uncooperative, refusing to answer questions | ||
** Psychotic | **Intoxicated | ||
** Organic brain syndrome | **Psychotic | ||
* Consider discharge when... | **Organic brain syndrome | ||
** Temporary organic syndrome has concluded (eg, intoxication) | |||
** No other significant problem requiring acute intervention | ===Discharge=== | ||
** Patient is in control and no longer violent | *Consider discharge when... | ||
**Temporary organic syndrome has concluded (eg, intoxication) | |||
**No other significant problem requiring acute intervention | |||
**Patient is in control and no longer violent | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Sedation (main)]] | *[[Sedation (main)]] | ||
*[[Altered mental status]] | |||
*[[Excited delirium]] | |||
*[[Acute psychosis]] | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
| Line 211: | Line 216: | ||
==Further Reading== | ==Further Reading== | ||
* Heiner JD and Moore GP. The Combative Patient. In: Marx J, Walls R, Hockberger R, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders; 2014: 188: 2414-2421. | *Heiner JD and Moore GP. The Combative Patient. In: Marx J, Walls R, Hockberger R, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders; 2014: 188: 2414-2421. | ||
* Moore GP, Pfaff JA. [https://www.uptodate.com/contents/assessment-and-emergency-management-of-the-acutely-agitated-or-violent-adult Assessment and emergency management of the acutely agitated or violent adult]. UpToDate. Feb 16, 2017. | *Moore GP, Pfaff JA. [https://www.uptodate.com/contents/assessment-and-emergency-management-of-the-acutely-agitated-or-violent-adult Assessment and emergency management of the acutely agitated or violent adult]. UpToDate. Feb 16, 2017. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 10 December 2025
Background
- Violence may occur without warning
- Positive predictors of violence
- Male gender
- History of violence
- Substance abuse
- Psychiatric illness
- Schizophrenia, Psychotic depression
- Personality disorders - (e.g. antisocial personality disorder patients may lack remorse for violent actions_
- Mania - unpredictable because of emotional lability
- Increased waiting duration (for evaluation, results, treatment, etc)
- Factors that do not predict violence
- Ethnicity, diagnosis, age, marital status, and education
- Evaluation by psychiatrist, regardless of experience
Clinical Features
- Escalation behaviors may include progression through:
- Anger, resistance, aggression, hostility, argumentativeness, violence
Differential Diagnosis
FIND ME (functional, infectious, neurologic, drugs, metabolic, endocrine)
- Psychiatric
- Schizophrenia, paranoid ideation, catatonic excitement
- Mania
- Personality disorders (borderline, antisocial)
- Delusional depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Decompensating obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Situational Frustration
- Mutual hostility
- Miscommunication
- Fear of dependence or rejection
- Fear of illness
- Guilt about disease process
- Antisocial Behavior
- Violence with no associated medical or psychiatric explanation
- Organic Diseases
- Head trauma
- Hypoxia
- Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
- Electrolyte abnormality
- Infection
- CNS infection (eg, herpes encephalitis)
- AIDS
- Endocrine disorder
- Seizure (eg, temporal lobe, limbic)
- CNS tumor (limbic system)
- Autoimmune Disease
- Porphyria
- Wilson's disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Sleep disorders
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g. folate, B12, niacin, B6)
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Cerebrovascular accident
- Vascular malformation (e.g. AVM)
- Hypothermia or hyperthermia
- Anemia
- Tox
- Adverse reaction to prescribed medication
- Alcohol (intoxication and withdrawal)
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Sedative/Hypnotics (intoxication or withdrawal)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Anticholinergics
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, glue, paint, gasoline)
- Steroids
Evaluation
- Screen for acute medical conditions that may contribute to the patient's behavior.
- Always obtain:
- Blood glucose
- Vitals, including pulse oximetry
- Consider:
- Metabolic panel: serum electrolytes, thyroid function
- Toxicology screen and blood alcohol levels
- Ammonia level
- Urine analysis
- Lumbar puncture (CNS infection)
- Aspirin and acetaminophen levels (intentional ingestion)
- Medication levels (sub- vs super-therapeutic)
- Electrocardiogram (elders, intentional ingestion).
- Cranial imaging
- Electroencephalography
- Always obtain:
- Unnecessary diagnostic testing prolongs ED stay and delays definitive psychiatric care.
- Organic cause unlikely → may not require further workup
- Younger than 40 years
- Prior psychiatric history
- Normal physical examination
- Normal vital signs
- Calm demeanor
- Normal orientation
- No physical complaints
- Organic cause more likely → does require further workup
- Acute onset of agitated behavior
- Behavior that waxes and wanes over time
- Older than 40 years with new psychiatric symptoms
- Elders (higher risk for delirium)
- History of substance abuse (intoxication or withdrawal)
- Persistently abnormal vital signs
- Clouding of consciousness
- Focal neurologic findings
- Organic cause unlikely → may not require further workup
Management
Risk assessment
- Screen for weapons and disarm prior to entrance to ED
- Violence may occur without warning
- Be aware of surroundings
- Signs of anger, resistance, aggression, hostility, argumentativeness, violence
- Accessibility of door for escape
- Presence of objects that may be used as weapons
Verbal de-escalation techniques
- Be honest and straightforward; Ask about violence directly
- Suicidal or homicidal ideations and plans
- Possession of weapons
- History of violent behavior
- Current use of intoxicants
- Be nonconfrontational, attentive, and receptive
- Respond in a calm and soothing tone
- Express concern/worry about the patient
- Three Fs framework:
- I understand how you could feel that way.
- Others in that situation have felt that way, too.
- Most have found that _____ helps."
- Avoid argumentation, machismo, and condescension
- Do not threaten to call security — Invites patient to challenge with violence
- Do not deceive (eg, about estimated wait times) — Invites violence when lie is uncovered
- Do not command to calm down — Invites further escalation
- Do not downplay, deny, or ignore threatening behavior
- Do not hesitate — Leave and call for help if necessary
Chemical Restraints (Rapid Tranquilization)
- Offer voluntary administration to patient — increased sense of control may calm patient
- If need to temporary physical restraint the patient: One arm up, one arm down, tie legs to opposite side of bed. Reference with video
- Suggested protocol for continued agitation: antipsychotic Q5 min x 2, then ketamine IM
- E.g. Droperidol 5mg (or haloperidol 5mg) IM Q5 min x 2, then ketamine 300mg IM
- Ketamine, at a dose of 4-6 mg/kg IM, achieves sedation in 2-10 minutes. Few medications, if any, reliably achieve effective sedation this quickly following a single dose. [1].
- Other protocols involve combination therapy[2].
- Neuroleptics (Antipsychotics)
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Less sedation and EPS (than typical)
- Increased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis
- olanzapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole
- Typical antipsychotics (low potency)
- Greater sedation, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (than high-potency)
- chlorpromazine and thioridazine
- Typical antipsychotics (medium potency)
- Typical antipsychotics (high potency)
- Greater EPS (than low-potency)
- butyrophenones: haloperidol and droperidol
- Cautions
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome — rare
- Extrapyramidal symptoms — treat with diphenhydramine or benztropine
- QTc prolongation and torsades de pointes
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Ketamine[3]
- 4-6mg/kg IM or 1mg/kg IV
- Benzodiazepines
- Typical intramuscular dosing for adult patients:[5]
- Haloperidol 5-10mg IM, ziprasidone 20mg IM, olanzapine 10mg IM, and midazolam 5mg IM.
- In order from slowest to quickest time to effect
- Haloperidol 5-10mg IM, ziprasidone 20mg IM, olanzapine 10mg IM, and midazolam 5mg IM.
Physical restraints
- Not for convenience or punishment
- Indications for seclusion or restraint
- Imminent danger to self, others, or environment
- Part of ongoing behavioral treatment
- Contraindications to seclusion
- Patient is unstable and requires close monitoring
- Patient is self-harming (suicidal, self-mutilating, toxin ingestion)
- Caveats
- Allow for adequate chest expansion for ventilation
- Sudden death has occurred in the prone or hobble position
Disposition
Admit
- Admit or commit when...
- Harm to self
- Harm to others
- Cannot care for self
- Uncooperative, refusing to answer questions
- Intoxicated
- Psychotic
- Organic brain syndrome
Discharge
- Consider discharge when...
- Temporary organic syndrome has concluded (eg, intoxication)
- No other significant problem requiring acute intervention
- Patient is in control and no longer violent
See Also
External Links
Further Reading
- Heiner JD and Moore GP. The Combative Patient. In: Marx J, Walls R, Hockberger R, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders; 2014: 188: 2414-2421.
- Moore GP, Pfaff JA. Assessment and emergency management of the acutely agitated or violent adult. UpToDate. Feb 16, 2017.
References
- ↑ Westafer, Lauren. “Patients with Severe Agitation in the ED.” ACEP NOW, vol. 42, no. 12, https://www.acepnow.com/article/which-sedatives-are-best-for-managing-severe-agitation-in-the-emergency-department/.
- ↑ The Art of the ED Takedown EMDocs
- ↑ Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587
- ↑ Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficulty-to-Sedate Severe Acute Behavioral Disturbance in the ED. Annals of EM. May 2016 67(5):581-587
- ↑ Klein LR, Driver BE, Miner JR, et al. Intramuscular Midazolam, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone, or Haloperidol for Treating Acute Agitation in the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med. 2018;72(4):374-385.
