CASAC Crisis Intervention Strategies 5

Question 1

A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal develops tremors, diaphoresis, and reports seeing insects on the wall. This presentation indicates:

Accepted Answer

Delirium tremens, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical intervention

Answer

Tremors, diaphoresis, and visual hallucinations together are hallmark signs of delirium tremens, which carries a significant mortality risk and requires emergency medical care.

Question 2

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, a counselor may disclose PHI without client authorization in a crisis situation when:

Accepted Answer

Disclosure is necessary to prevent serious and imminent threat to the client or others

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure without authorization when needed to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety, as permitted by law.

Question 3

A peer recovery specialist finds a client unresponsive with a needle nearby. After calling 911, the next action consistent with Good Samaritan law provisions is to:

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone if available and trained to do so

Answer

Good Samaritan laws encourage bystander intervention including naloxone administration, and most state provisions protect those who call 911 and provide first aid from prosecution.

Question 4

A crisis counselor is conducting a mental status exam with a client who has been awake for three days using methamphetamine. The MOST critical finding to document is:

Accepted Answer

Presence of psychotic features such as paranoid delusions or command hallucinations

Answer

Stimulant-induced psychosis, particularly command hallucinations instructing harm, creates imminent danger and must be documented and acted upon immediately.

Question 5

The Tarasoff duty to warn obligates a counselor to take protective action when a client makes:

Accepted Answer

A specific, credible threat against an identifiable third party

Answer

Tarasoff liability is triggered by a specific, serious threat against an identifiable victim, not vague expressions of frustration or anger.

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC - Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Practice Test

CASAC Crisis Intervention Strategies 5