Caring for the agitated patient: a tiered approach

Management of agitated patients presents a challenge with regard to balancing appropriate diagnostic plans and treatment aimed at controlling symptoms with an interest in prioritizing patient and staff safety and preserving patient dignity. This article will discuss a tiered approach to caring for the agitated patient, including early recognition of escalating behavior, verbal de-escalation techniques, the use and choice of medication and route for symptom control, and concepts related to physical restraint, special populations, and bias.