Understanding the decision-making of critical care nurses when restraining a patient with psychomotor agitation secondary to hyperactive delirium: A 'Think Aloud' study.

The lack of pre-emptive management for hyperactive delirium and reduced staffing ratios lead to the decision to restrain to preserve safety in acute agitation. The struggle to manage agitated behaviour is associated with nurse burnout and reduced engagement with therapeutic management methods, suggesting the need for psychological and educational support for clinical staff. Delirium is an important and debilitating form of organ dysfunction which should be collaboratively managed by the multi-disciplinary team.