ABCN Emergency Response Procedures 4

Question 1

A neuropsychologist receives a phone call from a third party claiming a patient has expressed intent to harm a specific coworker. The clinician has not yet verified the caller's identity. The BEST first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Gather information from the caller while neither confirming nor denying the patient's status, then contact the patient to assess risk

Answer

Confidentiality requires neither confirming nor denying patient status, but the clinician should gather threat information and conduct a direct patient risk assessment before taking further action.

Question 2

Which suicide risk factor is considered the STRONGEST acute predictor of near-term suicide attempt in clinical neuropsychological populations?

Accepted Answer

Previous suicide attempt

Answer

A prior suicide attempt is the single strongest predictor of future attempt, particularly in the period shortly following the index attempt.

Question 3

During a neuropsychological evaluation, a patient discloses that they plan to drive home despite having a legal blood alcohol level. The neuropsychologist's obligation is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Assessing the imminent danger to self and others, attempting to dissuade, and involving emergency services if necessary

Answer

Impaired driving poses imminent danger; the clinician must assess risk, attempt to prevent driving, and escalate to emergency services if the patient cannot be dissuaded.

Question 4

A natural disaster causes a hospital to activate its emergency operations plan, and neuropsychological services must be suspended. Ethical obligations require the neuropsychologist to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure continuity of care plans are in place for high-risk patients and communicate service interruptions clearly

Answer

Even during disasters, clinicians must arrange continuity of care for vulnerable patients and transparently communicate any interruption to services.

Question 5

A neuropsychologist working in a memory clinic is informed by a patient's spouse that the patient has been driving and is cognitively impaired. The patient refuses to stop driving. The appropriate response includes:

Accepted Answer

Documenting the concern, counseling the patient on risks, and reporting to the DMV per state law if applicable

Answer

Many states mandate or permit reporting cognitively impaired drivers to the DMV; clinicians should document, counsel, and follow applicable reporting laws while preserving the therapeutic relationship.

(ABCN) American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Test

(ABCN) American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Test

ABCN Emergency Response Procedures 4