Chapter 22 - Psychiatric Emergencies Flashcards
EMT’s often care for patients experiencing a behavioral crisis or psychiatric emergency, the crisis may be the result of:
acute medical situation mental illness mind-altering substances stress many other causes
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.
mental illness
The most common misconception about mental illness is that if you are feeling bad or depressed, you must be “_____”.
sick
There are many justifiable reasons for feeling depressed such as
divorce
death of a relative or friend
__________ is what you can see of a person’s response to the environment: his or her actions
Behavior
Sometimes stress is so great that the normal ways of coping are not enough or the person uses negative coping mechanisms such as
withdrawal
drugs
alcohol
Reactions to stress that are acute and those that develop over time can create a ________.
crisis
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.
behavioral
psychiatric
A patient may have ________ or _______ - behavior that may interfere with activities of daily living.
dementia
depression
Chronic ___________, a persistent feeling of sadness and despair, may be a symptom of a mental health disorder.
depression
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.
month
When a psychiatric emergency arises, the patient
may show agitation or violence
may become a threat to self or others
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental disorders are common throughout the United States, affecting _____ of millions of people each year
10
A _________ disorder is an illness with psychological or behavior symptoms that may result in impaired functioning.
psychiatric
_________ disorders are among the most common mental health disorders.
Anxiety
Some example of anxiety disorders include:
generalized anxiety disorder panic disorder social and other phobias posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) obsessive-compulsive disorder
More serious issues such as clinical depression are often handled by a _________.
psychologist
Some of the most severe psychological conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, require psychiatrists to _____________ medications.
prescribed
An EMT is _______ responsible for diagnosing the underlying cause of a behavioral crisis or psychiatric emergency.
not
________ _________ _________ is a temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic functioning of the brain tissue.
organic brain syndrome
Causes of organic disorders include:
sudden illness
traumatic brain injury
seizure disorders
drug and alcohol abuse, overdose, or withdrawal
diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer disease and meningitis
Altered mental status can arise from
hypoglycemia
hypoxia
impaired cerebral blood flow
hyperthermia or hypothermia
In the absence of a physiologic cause, altered mental status may be an indicator of a psychiatric disorder such as ________ ________.
bipolar disorder
A ___________ disorder is a physiological disorder that impairs bodily function when the body seems to be structurally normal.
functional
Examples of functional disorders include:
schizophrenia
anxiety conditions
depression
___________ is a state of delusion in which the person is out of tough with reality.
Psychosis
_______________ is a complex disorder that is not easily defined or easily treated. Onset occurs during early childhood, with symptoms becoming more prominent over time.
Schizophrenia
_______ is a condition of Impairment in cognitive function that can present with disorientations, hallucinations, or delusions.
Delirium
