nutribeat

Thanks, MrChicago. And what consequences, if the medication is still refused and the behavior is not improving, would you suggest?

I agree that giving involuntary injections is a very distasteful task. Generally, I've not seen them given to patients unless they appear to be a threat to themselves or others. Reasoning with people who are overwhelmed with hallucinations, paranoid, and unable to separate reality from their hallucinations and delusions is not only unrealistic, but also unlikely to be successful. However, I have to admit, I was taught that it was illegal to administer medication without a patient's consent in any manner. That includes crushing pills and adding to food or drink. If this is correct, what recourse is there, when a patient is out of control and threatening or actually causing harm?

Thanks for your posts everyone! It's a shame there are few detox facilities around, although I know that they are a money loser, I find the work very interersting.

Thanks JMG! Our admissions are supposed to be medically cleared/medically stable. We received this patient from ICU on Tues. No valium or ativan ordered, none received when called for. Librium, PO, for an agitated, paranoid, hallucinating person who pulled her own IV out. All docs cleared her for admission. Not sure if the DTs started on ICU or on the way but she sure looked like full blown DTs on arrival.

What have been your experiences in dealing with patients admitted with full blown DTs? I'm talking about into the psychiatric unit, not ICU or med/surg.

Our facility does not differentiate the age of the patient, only the acuity. So our 18-yr old adults are placed with (and sometimes room with) our 80 year old dementia patients. We have intensive care vs acute care and our geri patients can go either way.

Thanks, Charlie. I am definitely seeing what you mean about the need for "dual specialities" while being "nurse rich." Unfortunately, in this case, the cart seems to have been put before the horse.

Anyone working in a facility where the emphasis is increasing on geriatrics? We are doing more of this, and I would love to hear how others are doing with it.

All you ICU nurses out there, I could use some help. Have you ever heard of a prolonged ICU psychosis? A friend's daughter had an organ transplant and she is now experiencing physical and emotional problems, several weeks out, which the doctors don't seem to be able to explain. If this is possible, what treatments are usually recommended? Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!

Have you looked at Clark State or Edison State? I believe they both have associates's programs. How about Cincinnati State?