Delirium with a dangerous cause — an acute change on the dementia baseline from sepsis, hypoglycemia, hypoxia, or a stroke — escalate/transfer per the relevant pathway.

Behavioral emergency — agitation/aggression creating imminent danger to self or others — ensure safety and follow the crisis pathway (no restraints or psychotropics as a convenience).

Elopement risk with wandering — ensure the wandering/elopement safety plan; escalate a near-elopement.

Suspected pain driving BPSD — assess and treat pain (often the unrecognized trigger) before attributing to behavior.