Chapter 27: Behavioral and Psychiatric Emergencies and Suicide Flashcards
A situation in which a person exhibits actions that are unacceptable to the patient, family, or community is known as:
A behavioral emergency
The medical condition most likely to cause a rapid onset of erratic behavior, dizziness, and profuse perspiration is:
Low blood sugar
In which of the following medical conditions is cyanosis (blue or grey skin) most likely to be one of the signs?
Lack of oxygen
The medical condition most likely to cause confusion, impaired speech, paralysis of extremities on one side, and vomiting is:
Stroke
The first step an EMT takes in a behavioral emergency is to:
Perform a careful scene size-up
A medical condition that can closely mimic a psychiatric condition is:
Low blood sugar
In talking with a behavioral patient, an EMT should take all of the following actions EXCEPT:
- A. Identifying themselves
- B. Avoiding direct eye contact
- C. Being as honest as possible
- D. Standing at least 3 feet from the patient
Avoiding direct eye contact
The highest suicide rates have been found in people ages:
15 to 25
A patient who has attempted suicide in the past is:
More likely to commit suicide that one who has not
Which of the following cannot order the restraint of an adult patient?
- A. Medical Direction
- B. The patient’s physician
- C. Law enforcement officials
- D. The patient’s family
The patient’s family
[_______] is defined as the manner in which a person acts or performs.
Behavior
A(n) [______________] exists when a person exhibits abnormal behavior.
Behavioral emergency
There are many [________] and [________] conditions as well as psychological conditions that are likely to alter a patient’s behavior.
Medical; Traumatic
By acting in a calm manner, an EMT is applying [____________] techniques to a behavioral emergency.
Crisis management
In providing patient care during a behavioral emergency, an EMT should treat any life-threatening conditions during the [___________].
Primary assessment
In talking with a patient experiencing a behavioral emergency, avoid unnecessary [_________] and quick [_________].
Physical contact; Movements
Whenever you are called to care for a patient who has attempted suicide, your first concern must be [__________].
Your own safety
Your assessment of the aggressive or hostile patient might not go beyond the [_________] phase.
Primary assessment
Patients who have been improperly restrained may die of a type of breathing impairment known as [___________].
Positional asphyxia
List 7 medical and traumatic conditions that are likely to alter a person’s behavior
- Low blood sugar
- Lack of oxygen
- Inadequate blood to the brain or stroke
- Mind-altering substances
- Environmental temperature extremes
- Head trauma
- Seizures
List at least 8 general rules for dealing with a patient who is experiencing a behavioral or psychiatric emergency
- Identify yourself and your role
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Make eye contact with the patient
- Listen to the patient
- Do not be judgmental
- Use positive body language
- Be alert for changes in the patients emotional status
- Do not enter the patients personal space
- Use restraints to prevent harm if necessary
- Acknowledge the patients feelings
TRUE/FALSE: During a behavioral emergency, an EMT should only call the police as a last resort.
False
TRUE/FALSE: When dealing with a behavior patient, always consider that the condition may be caused by a medical or traumatic condition.
True
TRUE/FALSE: Whenever an EMT is called to the scene of a suicide attempt, the first concern should be for the patient’s safety.
False
TRUE/FALSE: A person who has exhibited a sudden improvement from depression is a low risk for suicide.
False
TRUE/FALSE: If a patients fear or aggression increases, an EMT should not push the issue of transport.
True
TRUE/FALSE: In treating a behavioral emergency, an EMT should not follow the patient into the kitchen.
True
TRUE/FALSE: Once a patient is acting rationally, an EMT may remove soft restraints.
False
TRUE/FALSE: Patients can die from improper placement of restraints.
True
TRUE/FALSE: Aggressive behavior is a valid reason not to assess the patient.
False
TRUE/FALSE: A psychiatric patient who refused emergency care or transport is a significant medical/legal risk for EMS agencies and EMTs.
True
