Which of the following is a warning sign of a Medical Behavioral Emergency?

• A. Publicly naked or insufficiently clothed for the weather.
• B. Heavy sweating.
• C. Extreme agitation.
• D. Obesity.

Answer: (C)

Recognizing an acute behavioral crisis hinges on noticing abrupt, intense agitation. Extreme agitation is a warning sign because it can reflect an underlying medical problem escalating quickly—delirium from infection or dehydration, hypoxia, fever, metabolic disturbances (like low blood sugar), stroke or head injury, or intoxication/withdrawal. These situations require rapid assessment, safety measures, vital signs monitoring, and prompt transport for definitive care.

The other states described can be concerning but don’t by themselves signal an urgent medical-behavioral emergency in the same way. Public exposure might stem from psychiatric symptoms or environmental factors; heavy sweating can occur with heat illness or anxiety; obesity is a chronic condition, not an immediate red flag.