Bottom Line Recommendations: Caring for Patients with Anxiety

• 2024

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• Amanda Newton; Mohamed Eltorki; Matthew Morrissette; Alexa Bagnell

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About

The document provides guidance for healthcare providers on managing anxiety in children during emergency department visits. It describes how to recognize anxiety symptoms, such as restlessness and fear, and emphasizes a patient- and family-centered approach. Key strategies include creating a calm environment, offering comfort measures like music or blankets, explaining the mind-body connection of anxiety, and using active distractions. Pharmacotherapy is advised only for severe cases with lorazepam as the first-line medication. The document also highlights avoiding regular benzodiazepine use due to potential side effects in pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental conditions.

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Tags

Focus Area: Mental Health

Audiences: Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Response

Keywords: Anxiety; Empathy; Lorazepam; Patient-Centered Care; Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Institutions: Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK)

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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