Some causes of altered mental status:
1. Fever – infection/sepsis or reaction to allergen
2. Poisoning – including drugs and alcohol
3. Low blood sugar – diabetic
4. Insulin reactions – hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia
5. Head injury – any trauma?
6. Hypoxia – decreased oxygen to the brain. Could be caused by an underlying medical problem, i.e. heart/lungs
7. Psychiatric conditions – known or not. Someone that is known to the patient will recognize their unusual behavior and should request medical assistance. If someone you know is behaving in an aggressive or withdrawn manner that is unlike their normal behavior you should reassure them, be supportive, protect them from harm and call for medical assistance. If the patient continues to be a danger to themselves or others, restrain and immobilize them until help arrives.
Drugs:
Any drug use, including alcohol, should not be tolerated in the workplace. To ensure the safety of all employees in your workplace, owners, managers, foremen, and co-workers must report any dangerous, suspicious or unusual behavior.
Signs of a Potentially Violent Patient:
1. History of aggression – check with family members and friends to determine if the patient has a history of aggression, combativeness or violent behavior.
2. Posture – stands or sits in a position that threatens themselves or others
3. Gestures – fists clenched
4. Holding objects that could be used to strike or be thrown.
5. Muscle tension and rigidity.
6. Yelling
7. Verbal threats to harm self or others.
8. Use of profanity.
9. Moves aggressively towards others.
10. Carries heavy or threatening objects.
11. Quick and irregular movements.