Verbal approach to involuntary psych patients

[u/strawbqu]

I am a newer ER RN in Canada, I’m looking for advice on approaching patients that are placed on an involuntary hold. Specifically with approaching an individual with restraining and chemical sedation (I know.. seems brutal but if you know you know. I’m not sure if this is legally relevant in all countries but it’s how we do it here). I find it difficult particularly with paranoid and manic patients. What is your spiel for the reasoning of the intervention, when you especially know they need it and they are refusing (and ultimately will have no choice but to take the medication and/or be restrained)

I tend to start off with the fact that the doctor needs them to take sedation.. if they are compliant they will not need to be restrained etc..

[u/shinebright222]

Every situation is different but if I think there is some ability to reason with them, I would try to give them options first. I would state I’m here to help you. The doctor ordered some medication. You have a choice, you can either take the medication or be restrained. Which do you choose? If they escalate, I would get security involved (if they aren’t already) to ultimately restrain for safety of patient and staff. Document if patient is verbally or physically aggressive, uncooperative, anything the patient says in response that is evidence why they need to be restrained (document word for word in quotes). Hope this helps.

[u/strawbqu → u/shinebright222]

Absolutely helps! Thanks!