Question

Scenario: John, age 27, was brought to the emergency department by two police officers. He smelled strongly of alcohol and was combative with police and hospital staff. His blood-alcohol level was measured at 293 mg/dL. His girlfriend reports that he drinks excessively every day and is verbally and physically abusive towards her and their small child. John states that if anyone else comes in his room he is going to “ beat them senseless”. The physician recently ordered 10mg Geodon, IM, Once. 1. Discuss the techniques used during de-escalation. 2. Explain why these techniques are used and when they may not work as expected. 3. What is the priority for both the patient and staff? How might the nurse best accomplish this

Answer 1

Recognised de‐escalation techniques include

verbal strategies, such as maintaining a calm tone of voice and not shouting or verbally threatening the person; and

non‐verbal techniques, including an awareness of self, body stance, eye contact, and personal safety .

Ehical issues

Priority is to decrease the consumption of it and its harmful effects and protect from physical harm to himself and others.