The Management of Agitated Toxidromes

center dot Agitated patients are medical emergencies with potential life-threatening conditions and must be evaluated in a critical care area to rapidly control their behavior. center dot Physical restraints are temporizing measures to provide patient and staff safety while pharmacologic sedation is achieved to promptly allow a thorough physical examination. center dot Complete vital signs including capillary glucose and core temperature are needed within minutes of arrival to detect and treat hyperthermia or hypoglycemia and other life-threatening conditions. center dot Fast-acting benzodiazepines are preferred for unknown agitated patients while parenteral droperidol is a safe and effective option whereby available. center dot Specific antidotal therapy is rarely indicated in the initial management of agitated patients.