Pediatric psychiatric emergencies.
OBJECTIVE
Pediatric psychiatric emergencies, on the increase in emergency departments, challenge mental health professionals and nurses.


OBJECTIVE
To focus on the information needed to evaluate pediatric psychiatric emergencies and the information-gathering process.


METHODS
Personal observations and experiences, published literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficiency and efficacy with which pediatric psychiatric evaluations are conducted depend on the evaluator's knowledge of the minimum required information for such assessment and the strategies available for overcoming barriers.
Falsafi
N
N
Washington Adventist Hospital, Takoma Park, MD, USA. nfalsafi@aol.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D004630:Emergencies; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology