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.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/17289
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours
Social Work: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Endocrine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Pediatrics, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neuropathology (incl. Neuromuscular), Pediatric Neurology, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine