De-escalating agitation

Environment: reduce noise, turn off the television, disperse the crowd, dim the lights. Position: approach from the front, at an angle, arm's length, at eye level. Keep an exit accessible to both of you. Never let two people flank the person, never block their way out. Voice: low, slow, short sentences, one speaker only. Content: name the emotion, do not argue with the content of a delusion, offer real choices, say what you can do rather than what you cannot. Offer food, drink, a quiet room and a PRN before considering any control measure.

Clinical content reviewed by Ducamelle Louis, Registered Nurse