Psych Emergencies Flashcards
Common causes of behavioral alterations
Hypoglycemia Hypoxia Hypoperfusion Mind-altering substances Psychogenic Environmental exposure Meningitis Seizure disorders Toxic ingestions/OD Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
Organic brain syndrome
Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of brain tissue.
Causes of organic brain syndrome
Sudden illness
Recent head trauma
Seizure
Drug and ETOH intoxication, OD, or withdrawal
Diseases of brain : Alzheimer, meningitis
Organic causes of depression
Emotional response to a major illness; medication side effects; changes in endocrine system.
Cultural causes of depression
Some cultures view geriatrics as a burden causing anguish and feelings of uselesness
Function disorder
Etiology cannot be traced to an obvious change in the actual structure or physiology of the brain itself.
Psychological function involve :
Consciousness Motor activity Speech Though Affect Memory Orientation Perception
Inappropriate affect
Emotion out of synch with the situation
Flat affect
Absence of emotion
Neologism
Patient invents words
Echolalia
Patient echoes words heard
What should you evaluate during a behavioral crisis?
General appearance Speech Skin Posture/Gait Mental status Mood Thought Perception Judgement Memory Attention
Psychosis
State of delusion in which the person is out of touch with reality
Causes of psychosis include :
Use of mind-altering substances
Intense stress
Delusional disorders
Schizophrenia
Common s/s of schizophrenia
Delusions Hallucinations Apathy Mutism Flat affect Lack of interest in pleasure Erratic speech, emotional responses, and motor behavior
COASTMAP
Consciousness Orientation Activity Speech Thought Memory Affect and Mood Perception
Management of psychosis
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.
Agitated delirium
Acute global cognitive impairment associated with fluctuations in mental status and behavior; inattention; disorganized thinking; AMS.
s/s of agitated delirium
Disorientation Hallucinations Delusions Hyperactive irrational behavior w/inattentiveness HTN Tachycardia Diaphoresis Dilated pupils
GAS PIPES mnemonic for depression assessment
Guilt Appetite Sleep Paying attention Interest Psychomotor abnormalities Suicidal thoughts
s/s panic attack
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
Legal actions when restraining someone without authority
Assault
Battery
False imprisonment
Violation of civil rights
At least ______ people should be present to carry out the placement of restraints.
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