Relationships between aggressive behavior in cognitively impaired nursing home residents and use of restraints, psychoactive drugs, and secured units.
This study examined relationships between aggressive behavior in cognitively impaired nursing home residents and physical restraints, psychoactive drugs, and placement on a secured unit. Data were obtained from 116 residents who were consistently aggressive as measured by the Ryden Aggression Scale 2. Subjects averaged 9.5 aggressive behaviors per day. Forty-seven percent of subjects were restrained, and 62% were regularly receiving psychoactive drugs. Use of restraints, antipsychotics, and placement on a secured unit were all significantly related to increased physical aggression scores. Four variables accounted for 23% of the variance in physical aggression scores: location on a secured unit, not receiving an antidepressant, being restrained, and number of psychotropic and/or anxiolytic medications administered. Significantly lower physical aggression scores were noted for subjects receiving antidepressants.
Ryden
M B
MB
University of Minnesota School of Nursing, USA.
Feldt
K S
KS
Oh
H L
HL
Brand
K
K
Warne
M
M
Weber
E
E
Nelson
J
J
Gross
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010356:Patient Isolation; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs