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

1.The techniques to be used for de-escalating this patient are

• The personal space for respect has yo be maintained throughout the scenario
• Allow patiwnt to make decisions by self
• Do not raise questions which will trigger his anger or emotions and further agitate him
• Do not over react to patients emotions because this can harm either the patient or the health care professionals.

2.These techniques are used to avoid conflicts and injury preventive measure. Simultaneously this will also help the hralth care professionals to provide care and benefit the patient

This technique may not work to the expectation when the patient doesn't responds to the medication administers,severe psychotic cases where understanding, cognition, perception,paranoia exists

3.The priority for both the patient and staff is preventing from physical injury. (The nurse should make an environment which is hazardous free before communicating or starting care for the patient.