Clinical management of acute behavioural disturbance associated with volatile solvent intoxication

SummaryThis case study reports on the management of a 20-year old girl who presented to an Emergency Department (ED) in a combative and drug affected state. Her acute care management is described. Salient learning tips are presented in respect to some of the dangers associated with substance abuse, the use of physical restraint and pharmacological interventions in managing such patients. The importance of maintaining patient dignity in the physical environment of ED and issues in managing people with ‘challenging behaviours’ in EDs are explored. The positive role that appropriately trained mental health nurses can have in these situations is highlighted.