Crisis Intervention Flashcards

A client presents with benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms including seizure activity. Which action is OUTSIDE the scope of a chemical dependency counselor's role?

Answer: Administering a benzodiazepine to control the seizure

Administering medications—including benzodiazepines to treat withdrawal seizures—is a medical act outside the scope of counselor practice.

Which of the following is the BEST example of a protective factor that reduces suicide risk in a client with a substance use disorder?

Answer: Strong religious or spiritual beliefs against suicide

Strong spiritual or religious beliefs that include moral objection to suicide are well-documented protective factors that reduce suicide risk.

A counselor uses the mnemonic IS PATH WARM to screen for suicide risk. What does the 'W' stand for?

Answer: Withdrawal

In IS PATH WARM, 'W' stands for Withdrawal—social isolation from friends, family, and activities—which is a significant behavioral warning sign.

A client who experienced childhood sexual abuse is now in crisis after a relapse triggered by an anniversary date. Which trauma-informed crisis response is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Acknowledge the connection between the anniversary, trauma history, and the relapse without deep trauma processing

A trauma-informed approach acknowledges the link between trauma triggers and substance use crisis without deep trauma processing, which belongs in stabilized treatment.

When assessing a client's coping resources during a crisis, the counselor is primarily evaluating:

Answer: Internal strengths and external supports available to manage the crisis

Coping resource assessment focuses on both internal strengths (resilience, problem-solving) and external supports (family, sponsors, community) the client can draw upon.

A counselor is wrapping up a crisis session. Which action is MOST consistent with effective crisis resolution?

Answer: Collaborating with the client to create a written follow-up plan with specific next steps

Collaboratively developing a written follow-up plan with specific next steps ensures continuity of care and reinforces the client's agency in the recovery process.

A counselor learns that a client in crisis has been posting farewell messages on social media. This behavior MOST indicates:

Answer: Saying goodbye—a preparatory behavior that warrants immediate risk assessment

Farewell messages are a recognized warning sign of suicidal intent and constitute preparatory behavior requiring immediate, thorough risk assessment.