Background: Hospitalists nationwide are faced with complex patient and family behaviors that interfere with medical care. In the acute inpatient setting, few resources are available for physicians to address maladaptive behaviors and many physicians report significant discomfort managing these disruptive behaviors. We implemented a Nurse Practitioner-Led Psychiatric Consult Service to provide education and recommendations for [...]

Background: The number of individuals with dementia in the U.S., currently estimated at 5.3 million, is projected to triple by 2050. For patients with cognitive impairment, the unfamiliar and stressful hospital environment often requires constant observation (CO) to ensure patient safety. The use of constant observation (CO) in the hospital setting, while originating in patients [...]

Case Presentation: Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis is an uncommon diagnosis disguised behind the more common chief complaint of altered mentation. Although treatment options have been established for this disease, management of its behavioral manifestations remains complex. Here we discuss a 13-year-old female who presented with acute-onset altered mental status and atypical behavior. At symptom onset, a [...]