Combative Delirium

摘要

Typical out-of-control patients may pull out intravenous lines, nasogastric tubes and Foley catheters, and they may curse, threaten, and swing at hospital personnel within striking distance. Some will argue that obscuring mental status with medication interferes with patient autonomy; however, establishing a therapeutic environment must be weighed against placing the patient and the medical staff at an increased risk by withholding effective and safe medications.