What it means
A set of skills used with a client who is becoming agitated or aggressive. The nurse stays calm, speaks slowly and quietly in short sentences, keeps a safe distance, listens, acknowledges the person's feelings, offers simple choices and lowers noise and other triggers. It is tried first, before medicines, seclusionsih-KLOO-zhunKeeping a client alone in a room, against their will, that they are prevented from leaving.Full entry or restraintrih-STRAYNTAny device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.Full entry , which are used only when less restrictive steps have failed and someone is in danger.
For the nurse
Keep yourself between the client and the door, never turn your back, and call for help early. Do not argue, threaten or touch the client without warning.
At a glance
| Also written | de-escalate, verbal de-escalation |
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Related terms
restraint
Any device, drug or method used to limit a person's movement or behavior that they cannot easily remove or refuse.
crisis intervention
Short-term help for a person in a crisis, to keep them safe and help them cope and function again.
seclusion
Keeping a client alone in a room, against their will, that they are prevented from leaving.