BHP Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with a history of seizures begins convulsing in your office. What is the FIRST priority action?
- Restrain the client to prevent injury
- Call 911 immediately
- Clear the area of hazardous objects and protect the client's head (Correct answer)
- Insert a bite block between the teeth
Correct answer: Clear the area of hazardous objects and protect the client's head
The first priority during a seizure is to protect the client from injury by clearing the environment and cushioning the head, not restraining them.
Question 2: When a behavioral health client discloses they have ingested an unknown substance, which resource should be contacted IMMEDIATELY?
- The client's primary care physician
- Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) (Correct answer)
- The client's emergency contact
- The state licensing board
Correct answer: Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
Poison Control Center provides immediate expert guidance on toxic exposures and ingestion emergencies 24/7.
Question 3: A client experiencing a mental health crisis becomes aggressive and threatens staff. What de-escalation technique should be used FIRST?
- Physically restrain the client immediately
- Use a calm, non-threatening tone and create physical space (Correct answer)
- Call law enforcement before attempting any intervention
- Confront the client firmly about their behavior
Correct answer: Use a calm, non-threatening tone and create physical space
Verbal de-escalation using a calm tone and providing physical space is the first-line intervention before considering physical or law enforcement responses.
Question 4: Which documentation is MOST important to complete after any behavioral health emergency response?
- A client satisfaction survey
- An incident report filed according to agency protocol (Correct answer)
- A billing adjustment form
- A referral to a higher level of care only
Correct answer: An incident report filed according to agency protocol
Incident reports document the facts of the emergency, protect the agency legally, and support quality improvement review.
Question 5: A client reports that another client has a weapon in the waiting room. What should the BHP do FIRST?
- Approach the client with the weapon and ask them to hand it over
- Quietly alert staff and initiate the facility's safety/lockdown protocol (Correct answer)
- Ignore the report until verified by direct observation
- Announce to all clients in the waiting room to leave
Correct answer: Quietly alert staff and initiate the facility's safety/lockdown protocol
The BHP should discreetly alert staff and follow the facility's established safety protocol to minimize risk of harm.
Question 6: In a psychiatric emergency, what does the acronym 'SAFE' stand for in risk assessment?
- Suicidality, Agitation, Functional impairment, Environment
- Substance use, Affect, Frequency, Escalation
- Support, Access to means, Future orientation, Evidence of plan (Correct answer)
- Stabilize, Assess, Follow up, Educate
Correct answer: Support, Access to means, Future orientation, Evidence of plan
SAFE in suicide risk assessment stands for Support systems, Access to means, Future orientation, and Evidence of a specific plan.
Question 7: Which behavior MOST indicates a client may be at imminent risk of self-harm requiring immediate emergency intervention?
- Expressing general sadness about their situation
- Giving away prized personal possessions and saying goodbye (Correct answer)
- Missing two consecutive therapy appointments
- Reporting passive thoughts about death without a plan
Correct answer: Giving away prized personal possessions and saying goodbye
Giving away possessions and saying goodbye are behavioral warning signs of imminent suicidal intent requiring immediate emergency response.
BHP Emergency Procedures & Response 2
A client with a history of seizures begins convulsing in your office.
What is the FIRST priority action?