Agitation

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (275 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

30 Jul 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Agitation is a complex, nonspecific constellation of behaviors observed in various treatment settings. Agitation can pose significant risks to both the agitated individuals and those around them, making it an emergency. Acute presentations of agitation can include restlessness, inability to stay calm, paranoia, suspiciousness, irritability, hostility, confusion, disorientation, inability to communicate, changes in vital signs, and violent behavior. The etiology of agitation is multifactorial and includes neurological, infectious, cardiac, respiratory, psychiatric, toxic or metabolic, endocrine, constitutional, and substance-related causes. The approach to understanding and managing agitation varies based on the setting, individual factors, clinician's experience, and specific etiology. 

Early assessment should include point-of-care glucose, oxygen saturation, and urine toxicology screen. Effective management prioritizes diagnosing and treating acute medical conditions while ensuring the safety of the patient, staff, and environment. Treatment strategies are guided by the specific etiology of agitation and the epidemiology of the local patient population, which may include understanding the prevalence of substance use in the community. This activity reviews the current understanding of the neurobiology of agitation, various causes of behavioral disturbances, diagnostic cues, and management strategies across different settings. This activity also explores the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, early assessment, and principles of treatment for this complex condition. This activity highlights the role of the interprofessional healthcare team in managing agitation and provides them with the knowledge necessary to provide optimal care for individuals with agitation, as mismanagement can lead to poor patient outcomes and staff injuries.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and social workers.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of agitation and recognize its multifactorial etiology, including neurological, psychiatric, and substance-related causes.

  • Implement effective de-escalation techniques and pharmacological interventions tailored to the specific etiology of agitation to ensure patient and staff safety.

  • Apply knowledge of the neurobiology of agitation and current management guidelines to provide evidence-based care and improve patient outcomes.

  • Collaborate with an interprofessional healthcare team, including psychiatry, nursing, and security, to manage agitation comprehensively and safely.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


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Social Workers: StatPearls, LLC designates this continuing education activity for 1.50 ASWB ACE credit(s) for social workers. Social Workers should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

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Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

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ANWAR S. on 11/18/2021

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MIA G. on 12/7/2021

NONE AT THIS TIME

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The authors cannot have possibly worked in mental health settings. A perfectly calm patient sitting across from a doctor can suddenly lash out at the doctor sitting across from him. Just because someone is agitated doesn't mean more explosive behavior is going to happen. When asking a question a blanket statement of the patient is in a mental health facility is ridiculous. Was the patient self admitted, committed against their will, self harming, hostile etc. There are mental health facilities where the patients walk around freely and can get on the elevators with visitors.

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Great presentation!

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