Legal status. Is the patient voluntary for treatment or involuntary for treatment? If voluntary, is involuntary treatment needed?
Street. Was this patient evaluated in a medical setting before presenting to your facility? Or did this patient arrive directly from the community/street?
Substance use. Has the patient been using any licit and/or illicit substances?
In my experience with psychiatric emergencies, asking these questions has helped guide my decision-making during these situations. They have helped me to determine the appropriate medication, route of administration, dose, and monitoring requirements. Although other factors can impact clinicians’ decision-making in these situations, I have found these questions to be a good starting point.