Question

• 1. Name the signs of the most urgent psychiatric emergencies

  2. Describe two nursing goals in managing a psychiatric emergency

  3. State three nursing interventions with rationale for this goal

  4. Discuss best practice standards of care in psychiatric emergencies.

Answer 1

The signs of most urgent psychiatric emergencies are:

• Suicidal threats
• Violent or aggressive behaviour or excitement
• Panic attacks
• Catatonic stupor
• Hysterical attacks
• Transient situational disturbances
• Delirium tremens

The two nursing goals of managing psychiatric emergencies are:

1. Patient will refrain from attempting suicide
2. patient will join family in crisis family counselling

the nursing interventions are

1. Arrange the client to stay with the family or friends during hospitalization especially if the person is highly suicidal

Rationale: To relieve feeling of isolation and provide safety and comfort

2. Encourage the client to avoid taking decisions during the time of crisis

Rationale: During crisis situations people cannot understand and think clearly

3. Tranquilizer may be prescribed if anxiety is too high or patient have not slept for days

Rationale

To relieve anxiety and restoration of sleep

The best practice standards of care in psychiatric emergency are:

• Perform psychiatry relevant and focused medical assessment and evaluation
• Implement evidence based clinical guidelines for emergency patients
• Use standardized ED triage scale
• Inquire if the patient have advance directives or crisis prevention plan
• Handle the patients with dignity and respect