How do you assess for agitation and aggression risk?

• A. Use restraints as first approach
• B. Rely solely on self-report
• C. Review history, present symptoms, triggers, and de-escalation strategies; implement safety protocols and access to appropriate supports, while using least restrictive means.
• D. Avoid safety planning

Answer: (C)

Anticipating and managing agitation and aggression hinges on a comprehensive, dynamic risk assessment that brings together the person’s history, current presentation, and the context of triggers. The best approach involves reviewing past episodes of aggression, the individual’s diagnoses and symptoms, and any known triggers (pain, withdrawal, hunger, sleep disruption, environmental stressors), then pairing that with present signs of escalation and effective de-escalation strategies. It also includes putting safety protocols in place and ensuring access to appropriate supports, while always using the least restrictive means possible. This combination allows you to anticipate risk, intervene early with noncoercive methods, and tailor safety planning to the situation, reducing harm and upholding the person’s rights. Relying solely on self-report misses important information, using restraints as the first approach is unsafe and unethical, and avoiding safety planning leaves everyone less protected.