ABCN Emergency Response Procedures 2

Question 1

A neuropsychologist is conducting an outpatient evaluation when the patient discloses active suicidal ideation with a specific plan and access to means. What is the FIRST priority action?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient's immediate safety and contact emergency services if necessary

Answer

Immediate safety takes priority; the clinician must assess risk level and contact emergency services or arrange hospitalization when a specific plan and means are present.

Question 2

Under HIPAA's emergency exception, a neuropsychologist may disclose protected health information without patient authorization when:

Accepted Answer

Disclosure is necessary to prevent serious and imminent harm to the patient or others

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure without authorization when needed to avert a serious and imminent threat to health or safety, consistent with applicable law.

Question 3

A patient undergoing neuropsychological testing begins experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure in the examination room. After ensuring the environment is safe, what should the examiner do NEXT?

Accepted Answer

Time the seizure and call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes

Answer

Status epilepticus is defined by seizure duration exceeding 5 minutes; emergency services must be called at that threshold while timing the episode.

Question 4

When a neuropsychologist determines that a patient poses an imminent danger to an identifiable third party, the Tarasoff ruling requires the clinician to:

Accepted Answer

Warn the intended victim and/or notify law enforcement

Answer

Tarasoff v. Regents of University of California established the duty to warn identifiable potential victims and/or notify authorities of serious threats.

Question 5

During a telehealth neuropsychological session, a remote patient appears to be experiencing a medical emergency. What is a critical preparatory step clinicians should take BEFORE beginning telehealth services?

Accepted Answer

Collect the patient's local emergency contact information and nearest emergency facility address

Answer

Collecting local emergency contact and facility information before telehealth sessions allows the clinician to direct responders to the patient's actual location in an emergency.

(ABCN) American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Test

(ABCN) American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Test

ABCN Emergency Response Procedures 2