Psych Emergencies

Question 1

Common causes of behavioral alterations

Answer 1

Hypoglycemia
Hypoxia
Hypoperfusion
Mind-altering substances
Psychogenic
Environmental exposure
Meningitis
Seizure disorders
Toxic ingestions/OD
Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol

Question 2

Organic brain syndrome

Answer 2

Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of brain tissue.

Question 3

Causes of organic brain syndrome

Answer 3

Sudden illness
Recent head trauma
Seizure
Drug and ETOH intoxication, OD, or withdrawal
Diseases of brain : Alzheimer, meningitis

Question 4

Organic causes of depression

Answer 4

Emotional response to a major illness; medication side effects; changes in endocrine system.

Question 5

Cultural causes of depression

Answer 5

Some cultures view geriatrics as a burden causing anguish and feelings of uselesness

Question 6

Function disorder

Answer 6

Etiology cannot be traced to an obvious change in the actual structure or physiology of the brain itself.

Question 7

Psychological function involve :

Answer 7

Consciousness
Motor activity
Speech
Though
Affect
Memory
Orientation
Perception

Question 8

Inappropriate affect

Answer 8

Emotion out of synch with the situation

Question 9

Flat affect

Answer 9

Absence of emotion

Question 10

Neologism

Answer 10

Patient invents words

Question 11

Echolalia

Answer 11

Patient echoes words heard

Question 12

What should you evaluate during a behavioral crisis?

Answer 12

General appearance
Speech
Skin
Posture/Gait
Mental status
Mood
Thought
Perception
Judgement
Memory
Attention

Question 13

Psychosis

Answer 13

State of delusion in which the person is out of touch with reality

Question 14

Causes of psychosis include :

Answer 14

Use of mind-altering substances
Intense stress
Delusional disorders
Schizophrenia

Question 15

Common s/s of schizophrenia

Answer 15

Delusions
Hallucinations
Apathy
Mutism
Flat affect
Lack of interest in pleasure
Erratic speech, emotional responses, and motor behavior

Question 16

COASTMAP

Answer 16

Consciousness
Orientation
Activity
Speech
Thought
Memory 
Affect and Mood
Perception

Question 17

Management of psychosis

Answer 17

Explain what is being down and what the patient’s role will be.
Keep orienting the patient to time, place, and people.
Involve people the patient trusts
Consider ALS backup for sedative or antianxiety drug if not compliant and possible danger to self or others.

Question 18

Agitated delirium

Answer 18

Acute global cognitive impairment associated with fluctuations in mental status and behavior; inattention; disorganized thinking; AMS.

Question 19

s/s of agitated delirium

Answer 19

Disorientation
Hallucinations
Delusions
Hyperactive irrational behavior w/inattentiveness
HTN
Tachycardia
Diaphoresis
Dilated pupils

Question 20

GAS PIPES mnemonic for depression assessment

Answer 20

Guilt
Appetite
Sleep
Paying attention
Interest
Psychomotor abnormalities
Suicidal thoughts

Question 21

s/s panic attack

Answer 21

SOB
Palpitations or tachycardia
Sweating
Nausea or abd distress
Fear of dying
Dizzy, lightheaded, faint
Trembling or shaking
Feeling of choking
Paresthesia
CP or discomfort
Losing control or going crazy

Question 22

Legal actions when restraining someone without authority

Answer 22

Assault
Battery
False imprisonment
Violation of civil rights

Question 23

At least ______ people should be present to carry out the placement of restraints.

Answer 23

5