Chapter 20 - Psychiatric Emergencies

Question 1

A behavioral crisis interferes with which of the following?
Select one:
A. activities of daily living
B. behavior that is acceptable to the community
C. behavior that regularly interferes with dressing, eating, or bathing
D. All of the above

Answer 1

D. All of the above

Question 2

A general impression of the patient is formed by an EMT:
Select one:
A. speaking with family members or bystanders first.
B. at a distance when the patient is first seen.
C. when the patient is in the ambulance.
D. speaking privately with the patient

Answer 2

B. at a distance when the patient is first seen.

Question 3

Assessing the blood pressure and oxygen saturation of a patient with a behavioral crisis should be performed:
Select one:
A. within the first few minutes after making patient contact.
B. if doing so will not worsen the patient’s emotional distress.
C. only if you will be transporting the patient to the hospital.
D. at least every 5 minutes in order to detect signs of shock.

Answer 3

B. if doing so will not worsen the patient’s emotional distress.

Question 4

Common causes of acute psychotic behavior include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Select one:
A. schizophrenia.
B. mind-altering substance use.
C. Alzheimer disease.
D. intense stress.

Answer 4

C. Alzheimer disease.

Question 5

Organic brain syndrome is MOST accurately defined as:
Select one:
A. bizarre behavior secondary to a chemical imbalance or disturbance in the brain.
B. a dysfunction of the brain caused by abnormal physical or physiologic function.
C. a change in behavior or mental status secondary to inadequate cerebral blood flow.
D. a disorder that cannot be traced to the abnormal structure or function of an organ.

Answer 5

B. a dysfunction of the brain caused by abnormal physical or physiologic function.

Question 6

The two basic categories of diagnosis that a physician will use for behavioral crises or psychiatric emergencies are ____________.
Select one:
A. organic brain syndrome and altered mental status.
B. functional and nonfunctional.
C. physical and psychological.
D. All of the above

Answer 6

C. physical and psychological.

Question 7

What is the most common misconception surrounding mental illness?
Select one:
A. All persons with mental disorders are physically violent and dangerous.
B. Everyone has some form of mental illness.
C. Feeling “bad” or “depressed” means that you must be “sick.”
D. Many mental illnesses stem from drug or alcohol abuse.

Answer 7

C. Feeling “bad” or “depressed” means that you must be “sick.”

Question 8

Which of the following terms applies to a state of delusion in which the patient is out of touch with reality?
Select one:
A. agitated delirium
B. psychosis
C. suicidal
D. schizophrenia

Answer 8

B. psychosis

Question 9

You are assessing a 45-year-old woman who is severely depressed. She states that it seems as though her entire world is crashing down around her. She further states that she has had frequent thoughts of suicide, but is not sure if she can actually go through with it. How should you manage this situation?
Select one:
A. Ask the patient if she has developed a plan for suicide.
B. Have law enforcement place her in protective custody.
C. Encourage the patient to remain quiet during transport.
D. Leave the scene and have a neighbor check in on her.

Answer 9

A. Ask the patient if she has developed a plan for suicide.