Identifying and Managing Psychiatric Emergencies in the ER

Contact Hours: 1

Author(s):

Marybeth A. Keppler, RN, BSN, OCN, M.Ed. 

Course Overview

This course will provide an overview of psychiatric emergencies commonly seen in the emergency department (ED). First, a list of terminology is provided to refresh readers on up-to-date definitions used in the field of mental health. Next, this article explains how to identify these psychiatric emergencies and what current treatments are available for each situation. Prioritizing staff and patient safety will be discussed, as will using trauma-informed care for this patient population.  

Course Outline

  1. Introduction 
  2. Definitions 
  3. Psychiatric Emergencies: Clinical Signs and Symptoms 
  4. Treatment 
  5. Safety Tips for Management of Patients in Psychiatric Distress (5):
  6. Trauma-Informed Care
  7. Common Treatment Modalities in the ED
  8. Conclusion 

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, the learner will rate a 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale for their ability to:

  1. List at least 4 common types of psychiatric emergencies. 
  2. Name 5 or more signs of patients presenting with mental health emergencies.  
  3. Explain several ways they can keep themselves safe when dealing with a patient in a mental health crisis.  
  4. Identify common treatment modalities for psychiatric emergencies in the emergency department (ED).  

Accreditations and Approvals

CE Credit Logo
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
  • Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
  • Delaware Board of Nursing (DE-24-010127)
  • Alabama Board of Nursing (#ABNP1577)
  • Iowa Board of Nursing (#393)
  • Kansas Board of Nursing (LT0340-0325)

Approved by the Board of Nursing in every state, you can complete your RN, LVN, and APRN CEUs with confidence.

Accreditation Statement

Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It will take the average learner 60 minutes to complete and awards 1 contact hours of continuing education.

Written For

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Requirements for Completion

  1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
  2. Read and learn all course materials
  3. Complete the course evaluation
  4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.