Term
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Definition
| Any reaction to events that interfers with the activities of daily living (ADL) or has become unaccptable to the patient, family, or community. An example would be an interruption of a daily routine such as bathing or eating. |
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Term
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Definition
| A persistent feeling of sadness and despair, may be a symptom of a mental or physical disorder. |
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Term
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Definition
| 1 in 5 Americans has some type of mental disorder, an illness with psychological or behavioral symptoms that may result in impaired functioning. It can be caused by a social, psychological, genetic, physical, chemical, or biological disorder. |
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Term
Pathology:Causes of Behavioral Emergencies Organic Brain Syndrome |
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Definition
| Temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by disturbance in the physical or physiologic function of brain tissue. Causes may be sudden illness, recent trauma, drugs or alcohol, disease of the brain. Altered mental status can arise from low levels of glucose, lack of oxygen, inadequate blood flow to the brain, and excessive heat or cold. |
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Term
Causes of Behavioral Emergencies Functional Disorder |
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Definition
| Occurs when abnormal operation of an organ can not be traced to an obvious change in the actual structure, or physiology, of the organ, i.e schizophrenia and depression. |
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Term
Causes of Behavioral Emergencies Altered Mental Status |
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Definition
| A change in the way a person thinks. This maybe an indicator of central nervious system disease. |
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Term
| Safety Guidelines for Behavioral Emergencies |
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Definition
-Be prepared to spend extra time. -Have a definite plan of action. -Be direct. -Asses the scene. -Stay with the patient. -Encourage purposeful movement, ie help w/clothes -Express interest in hte patient's story. -Dont't get close to the patient. -Avoid fighting with the patient. -Be honest and reassuring. -Do not judge. |
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Term
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Definition
| Circumstances, symptoms, or illness caused by mental factors |
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Term
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Definition
| Technique used to gain insight to a patient's thinking. It involves repeating, in question form, what the patient has said, encouraging the patient to expand on the thoughts. |
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Term
Behavioral Emergencies Focused Physical Exam |
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Definition
| You can tell a lot about the patient's emotional state from facial expressions, pulse, and respirations. Tears, sweating, and blushing may also be indicators. Look in patient's eyes; blank gaze or rapidly moving eyes may indicate central nerous system dysfunction. |
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Term
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Definition
The most significant factor that contributes to suicide is depression. Remember that a suicidal patyient may be homicidal. |
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Term
| Consent in Behavioral Emergencies |
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Definition
| Assume implied consent. If you are not sure involve law enforcement. They may be able to deam the patient 5150 if they are a danger to themselves and others. |
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Term
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Definition
-May only be ordered by a physician, a court, or law enforcement. -You may only use restraints to protect yourself, others, and to protect the patient from harming themself. -May only use reasonable force |
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Term
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Definition
-Only use reasonable force -Take into account the patient's gender, size, strenght, and menatl status. -The type of abnormal behavior the patient is exhibiting. -Use only state approved restraints. -Make sure you have a witness during transport. |
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Term
| Risk Factors for Potentially Violent Patients |
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Definition
-History: past violent behavior. -Posture: Sitting or standing. -The scene: Any weapons near. -Vocal Activity: Loud -Physical Activity: Most telling factor. Protecting personal space. |
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