Strategies for optimal management of pediatric acute agitation in emergency settings
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
8-1-2024
Journal
Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open
Volume
5
Issue
4
DOI
10.1002/emp2.13255
Keywords
agitation; environmental modification; least restrictive means; neurodivergent; restraint use; verbal de‐escalation
Abstract
Acute agitation in youth is a challenging presentation to the emergency department. In many cases, however, youth can be behaviorally de-escalated using a combination of environmental modification and verbal de-escalation. In cases where additional strategies such as pharmacologic de-escalation or physical restraint are needed, using the least restrictive means possible, including the youth in the decision-making process, and providing options are important. This paper reviews specific considerations on the approach to a youth with acute agitation and strategies and techniques to successfully de-escalate agitated youth who pose a danger to themselves and/or others.
APA Citation
Saidinejad, Mohsen; Foster, Ashley A.; Santillanes, Genevieve; Li, Joyce; Wallin, Dina; Barata, Isabel A.; Joseph, Madeline; Rose, Emily; Cheng, Tabitha; Waseem, Muhammad; Berg, Kathleen; Hooley, Gwendolyn; Ruttan, Timothy; Shahid, Sam; Lam, Samuel H.; Amanullah, Siraj; Lin, Sophia; Heniff, Melanie S.; Brown, Kathleen; and Gausche-Hill, Marianne, "Strategies for optimal management of pediatric acute agitation in emergency settings" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 5441.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/5441
Department
Pediatrics