Psychiatric Emergencies in Oncology Ambulatory Care Settings

Psychiatric emergencies may occur in the oncology ambulatory care setting as a result of psychiatric disorders among patients with cancer. Preparedness, assessment, management, and debriefing of psychiatric emergencies can ensure successful outcomes. The nurse has a role in all phases of a patient’s psychiatric emergency

At a Glance:

• Patient agitation, with risk of harm to self or others, is the common clinical presentation of a psychiatric emergency.
• As members of the healthcare team, nurses can intervene quickly to ensure the safety of the patient and others.
• Debriefing of the psychiatric emergency with the healthcare team and others provides insight for management of future events.