Psychiatric Emergencies

Question 1

What is the most common type of psychiatric emergency?

Answer 1

Panic Disorder

Question 2

Name other common types of psychiatric emergencies

Answer 2

Intoxication, Suicidality, Psychosis

Question 3

Describe the Labs you would order for the basic workup of a psychiatric emergency

Answer 3

• CBC
• BMP
• UA
• Glucose (finger stick)
• ETOH and Drug Screen

Question 4

What are some questions you would ask for a patient with alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Answer 4

• How long has patient been drinking?
• When was the last drink?
• History of withdrawal seizures
• History of withdrawal hallucinations
• Previous treatments

Question 5

What are some lab results you would expect in someone going through alcohol withdrawal?

Answer 5

CBC: (MCV >100, abnormal shape and size of RBC, low platelet count)

BMP: Hyponatremia

Also check liver function, BAC, Urine Drug Screen

Question 6

Initial Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawl

Answer 6

IV Fluids: Thiamine and Glucose (prevent Wernicke’s)

Meds: Lorazepam (Ativan)

Question 7

What is the number one rule when evaluating a suicidal patient?

Answer 7

be calm, non-threatening and non-judgemental

Question 8

What are some risk factors to look for when evaluating a suicidal patient?

Answer 8

• Previous Attempts
• Psychiatric Diagnoses
• Lack of Supports
• Medical conditions
• Feeling of “burden to family members”
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Local epidemics of suicide isolation