The agitated patient: Steps to take, how to stay safe

J Fam Pract. 2018 Mar;67(3):136-147.

Abstract

Situations involving agitated patients are not uncommon in health care settings. And no matter where on the spectrum an incident involving an agitated patient falls, it can leave those involved with various levels of physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It can also leave everyone asking themselves: "How can I better prepare for such occurrences?" This article offers some answers by providing tips and guidelines for handling agitated and/or violent patients in various settings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Family Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychomotor Agitation / prevention & control*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / psychology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Security Measures*
  • Workplace Violence / prevention & control*
  • Workplace Violence / psychology*