Chapter 22 - Psychiatric Emergencies

Question 1

EMT’s often care for patients experiencing a behavioral crisis or psychiatric emergency, the crisis may be the result of:

Answer 1

acute medical situation
mental illness
mind-altering substances
stress
many other causes

Question 2

At some point, most people experience an emotional crisis. This does not mean that everyone develops _____ _____. Otherwise healthy people may sustain acute or temporary mental health disorders. Do not jump to the conclusion that a patient is mentally ill when exhibiting behaviors discussed in this chapter.

Answer 2

mental illness

Question 3

The most common misconception about mental illness is that if you are feeling bad or depressed, you must be “_____”.

Answer 3

sick

Question 4

There are many justifiable reasons for feeling depressed such as

Answer 4

divorce

death of a relative or friend

Question 5

__________ is what you can see of a person’s response to the environment: his or her actions

Answer 5

Behavior

Question 6

Sometimes stress is so great that the normal ways of coping are not enough or the person uses negative coping mechanisms such as

Answer 6

withdrawal
drugs
alcohol

Question 7

Reactions to stress that are acute and those that develop over time can create a ________.

Answer 7

crisis

Question 8

A ________ crisis or ________ emergency includes patients of all ages who exhibit agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior or who are in danger to themselves or others.

Answer 8

behavioral

psychiatric

Question 9

A patient may have ________ or _______ - behavior that may interfere with activities of daily living.

Answer 9

dementia

depression

Question 10

Chronic ___________, a persistent feeling of sadness and despair, may be a symptom of a mental health disorder.

Answer 10

depression

Question 11

Usually, if an abnormal or disturbing pattern of behavior lasts for a _____ or more, it is a matter of concern from a mental health standpoint.

Answer 11

month

Question 12

When a psychiatric emergency arises, the patient

Answer 12

may show agitation or violence

may become a threat to self or others

Question 13

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental disorders are common throughout the United States, affecting _____ of millions of people each year

Answer 13

10

Question 14

A _________ disorder is an illness with psychological or behavior symptoms that may result in impaired functioning.

Answer 14

psychiatric

Question 15

_________ disorders are among the most common mental health disorders.

Answer 15

Anxiety

Question 16

Some example of anxiety disorders include:

Answer 16

generalized anxiety disorder
panic disorder
social and other phobias
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 17

More serious issues such as clinical depression are often handled by a _________.

Answer 17

psychologist

Question 18

Some of the most severe psychological conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, require psychiatrists to _____________ medications.

Answer 18

prescribed

Question 19

An EMT is _______ responsible for diagnosing the underlying cause of a behavioral crisis or psychiatric emergency.

Answer 19

not

Question 20

________ _________ _________ is a temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of the brain tissue.

Answer 20

organic brain syndrome

Question 21

Causes of organic disorders include:

Answer 21

sudden illness
traumatic brain injury
seizure disorders
drug and alcohol abuse, overdose, or withdrawal
diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer disease and meningitis

Question 22

Altered mental status can arise from

Answer 22

hypoglycemia
hypoxia
impaired cerebral blood flow
hyperthermia or hypothermia

Question 23

In the absence of a physiologic cause, altered mental status may be an indicator of a psychiatric disorder such as ________ ________.

Answer 23

bipolar disorder

Question 24

A ___________ disorder is a physiological disorder that impairs bodily function when the body seems to be structurally normal.

Answer 24

functional

Question 25

Examples of functional disorders include:

Answer 25

schizophrenia
anxiety conditions
depression

Question 26

___________ is a state of delusion in which the person is out of tough with reality.

Answer 26

Psychosis

Question 27

_______________ is a complex disorder that is not easily defined or easily treated. Onset occurs during early childhood, with symptoms becoming more prominent over time.

Answer 27

Schizophrenia

Question 28

_______ is a condition of Impairment in cognitive function that can present with disorientations, hallucinations, or delusions.

Answer 28

Delirium