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Severe stimulant-associated agitation — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardPsychiatric emergenciesSevere stimulant-associated agitationABEM Board

A 28-year-old man is brought as triage level 1 by police with excited delirium-like severe agitation after stimulant use. He is hyperthermic, violent, and cannot be safely assessed; staff are at risk. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Resuscitation bay management with rapid chemical sedation, cooling, and medical evaluation

Severe agitation with hyperthermia is a medical emergency requiring rapid sedation to allow evaluation, temperature control, and treatment of complications.

Reference: ACEP severe agitation policy; ABEM EM Model