Home › Cheat Sheets › Safety & Infection Control

De-escalation — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

Calm the agitated patient first
🔖 Save
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Safety & Infection Control 🔖 Free to read, print, and share
💡

Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent De-escalation on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

🩺
✅

Do

Nursing actions
📌

Safety

Key facts
📌

Avoid

Key facts
🚩

Escalate

Notify / act now
✨

Quick Tip

De-escalation is the first-line, least restrictive response to agitation; restraints and medication are last resorts.

📖 Related Topics

Group B StreptococcusLead PoisoningChild Abuse RecognitionCar Seat Safety
Was this helpful? ✎ Suggest an edit

Master De-escalation with practice, not just reading

4,700+ NCLEX-style questions with rationales, 51 interactive NGN cases, and an AI tutor — free every day, no card needed.

Practice Safety & Infection Control questions free →

Related Safety & Infection Control cheat sheets

Group B StreptococcusScreen 36-37 wks gestation Lead PoisoningBlood lead ≥ 5 mcg/dL Child Abuse RecognitionInjury inconsistent with story Car Seat SafetyRear-facing until 2 yr min Poison ControlCall 1-800-222-1222 Restraint and Seclusion SafetyLeast restrictive, last resort ABO Blood CompatibilityO- universal donor Dysphagia DietThickened liquids, aspiration risk