In addition to medications, what else is included in the management plan for agitation?

• A. Restraints
• B. Conscious sedation with minimal monitoring
• C. Only observation
• D. IV fluids

Answer: (A)

When agitation presents a clear risk of harm, safety measures alongside medications are part of the plan. Using restraints becomes necessary when verbal de-escalation and pharmacologic treatment do not quickly reduce danger to the patient or others. They are a last resort and must be applied with continuous monitoring, ongoing assessment of the patient’s condition, and a clear plan to remove them as soon as it is safe. Restraints address immediate safety while medical etiology or intoxication is being evaluated and treated, rather than relying on observation or minimal monitoring alone. Conscious sedation with minimal monitoring is unsafe because it requires close airway and vital-sign oversight, and IV fluids alone do not address the risk of harm from severe agitation.