Altered Mental Status (AMS)

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Section 5 -MEDICAL 5.03

ALTERED MENTAL STATUS (AMS)

AMS is defined as an alteration in either the patient’s LOC or Orientation

INITIAL MEDICAL CARE (2.01) - Provide OXYGEN or assist ventilations as appropriate for patient condition.

  • C-spine precautions as indicated.
  • Obtain and record blood sugar level.
  • Draw blood tubes, if available.
  • If hypotensive, refer to SHOCK PRACTICE PARAMETER (5.13).
  • If blood sugar < 100, DEXTROSE 50% 25 gm IVP.
  • If no response and a narcotic overdose is suspected:
    • An adult patient’s weight is < 50 kg, NALOXONE (NARCAN) in 0.5 mg increments IVP or IN every 3 minutes prn if transient response observed, not to exceed 6 mg.
    • An adult patient’s weight is > 50 kg, NALOXONE (NARCAN) in 0.5 mg increments IVP or IN every 3 minutes prn if transient response observed, not to exceed 10 mg.
    • Note: Only administer enough NALOXONE (NARCAN) to improve respiratory effort if decreased, it is not necessary to reverse the altered mental status. Consider soft restraints for the patient suspected of a narcotic overdose.
    • Refer to Broselow Tape for pediatric administration of NALOXONE (NARCAN).