Crisis

Agitation is a presentation, not a diagnosis. Pacing, a raised voice, or a clenched fist may reflect fear, psychosis, intoxication, withdrawal, delirium, pain, hypoglycemia, hypoxia, or medication-induced akathisia. The nurse therefore works on two tracks at once: reduce arousal enough to communicate and look for the danger or medical cause that makes ordinary conversation unsafe. Ask three questions early: Can the patient and others remain safe while we talk? Is a medical, substance-related, or medication-related problem driving the behaviour? Is there immediate risk of suicide or violence? The answers determine whether to continue verbal de-escalation, summon additional help, or initiate emergency transfer.