Nurses play a major role in the identification, assessment, and management of patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Prompt identification and appropriate interventions reduce mortality, disability, and staff injuries associated with psychiatric emergencies. This presentation provides practical information concerning common psychiatric emergencies encountered in correctional settings, emergency medications, their effects and side effects, and nursing interventions.

Educational Objectives

• Review common psychiatric emergencies encountered within correctional settings
• Describe nursing interventions to care for patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies
• Discuss the use and side effects of emergency medications commonly used to treat psychiatric emergencies

Level: Intermediate