Evaluating Behavior Symptoms: Management of Behavioral Symptoms

These points are part of the process of evaluating behavior symptoms in residents and identifying any medical or environmental causes that may require treatment. Here is some further expansion on these points:

1. Evaluate behavior symptom looking for medical or other causes that require treatment: This involves observing and documenting the resident's behavior, as well as any triggers or factors that may be contributing to the behavior. It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions or other causes that may require treatment.

2. Check vital signs: Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature can provide important information about the resident's overall health status and any potential medical issues.

3. Assess for pain using Pain Management protocol (Section 1): Pain is a common cause of behavior symptoms in residents. Assessing for pain involves asking the resident about their pain level and location, as well as monitoring for physical signs of pain such as grimacing or guarding.

4. Review medication record: Some medications can cause behavior symptoms or interact with other medications, so it is important to review the resident's medication record to identify any potential issues.

5. Review chart: Reviewing the resident's chart can provide important information about their medical history, previous behavior symptoms, and any other factors that may be contributing to their current behavior.

6. Check general body posture: Observing the resident's body posture and movement can provide clues about any physical discomfort or pain they may be experiencing.

7. Examine skin: Skin breakdown or other skin issues can cause discomfort or pain and may contribute to behavior symptoms.

8. Check joint range of motion: Limited range of motion or joint stiffness can be a sign of underlying medical issues or discomfort.

9. Examine abdomen: Abdominal pain or discomfort can cause behavior symptoms in some residents.

10. Check restraints: Restraints can cause physical discomfort or pain, and may contribute to behavior symptoms.

11. Check for environmental change: Changes to the resident's environment, such as a new roommate or changes to their room layout, can be stressful and may contribute to behavior symptoms.

12. Check for recent social changes: Changes to the resident's social environment, such as a change in staff or a new caregiver, can also be stressful and may contribute to behavior symptoms.

13. Check for signs of depression: Depression can cause behavior symptoms in some residents, so it is important to assess for signs of depression such as withdrawal or decreased interest in activities.