2047-25: Beyond Sedation: Advancing Agitation Management to Protect Patients, Prevent Staff Injury, and Support Clinical Teams

This session explores optimized management strategies for dementia-related agitation in hospitalized patients. It balances pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to ensure patient safety and prevent staff injury. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will learn to apply evidence-based de-escalation techniques, judiciously use medications, and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.

Presenters:  Kristina Isabella Asamsama, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC; Brianna N. Swanson, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  45 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Identify at least two signs and contributing factors of dementia-related agitation in acute care settings.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Evidence-based de-escalation techniques provide options for managing dementia-related agitation in acute care settings.
• Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions ensure patient safety and decrease staff injuries.

Keywords:  Agitation Management, Dementia vs. Delirium, Patient-centered Approach, Safety, Violence

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.75 contact hours (of which 0.25 are in pharmacology).  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  December 22, 2025
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2027

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