CIC Mental Health Crisis Types & Presentations 2

Question 1

Which of the following is a hallmark feature of a manic episode that distinguishes it from hypomanic presentation in crisis settings?

Accepted Answer

Marked functional impairment or psychotic features

Answer

Decreased need for sleep

Answer

Elevated or irritable mood lasting at least 4 days

Answer

Increased goal-directed activity

Question 2

A crisis counselor working with a client presenting with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during a flashback should PRIMARILY:

Accepted Answer

Use grounding techniques to help orient the client to the present

Answer

Encourage the client to fully relive the traumatic memory for processing

Answer

Administer the PCL-5 screening tool immediately

Answer

Begin formal trauma processing therapy in the session

Question 3

When a client presents with pressured speech, flight of ideas, and grandiosity during a crisis call, the counselor should recognize these as potential indicators of:

Accepted Answer

Acute mania or hypomanic state

Answer

Severe depressive episode with agitation

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder exacerbation

Answer

Dissociative identity disorder switching

Question 4

A crisis intervention counselor should suspect excited delirium when a client presents with:

Accepted Answer

Extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and unusual strength combined with confusion

Answer

Flat affect, social withdrawal, and poverty of speech

Answer

Tearfulness, hopelessness, and psychomotor retardation

Answer

Paranoid ideation with organized thought process

Question 5

A client who experienced a natural disaster three days ago presents to crisis services with nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing. This presentation is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

Acute Stress Disorder, given the timeframe within one month of the event

Answer

PTSD, since trauma symptoms are present

Answer

Adjustment disorder with anxious mood

Answer

Complicated grief reaction

Question 6

Which of the following presentations would MOST warrant an immediate referral to emergency psychiatric services?

Accepted Answer

Client describes active plan with means to harm others and imminent intent

Answer

Client reports persistent sadness and social isolation for two weeks

Answer

Client reports occasional panic attacks controlled with breathing techniques

Answer

Client expresses frustration and anger about a recent job loss

Question 7

The term 'lethality' in mental health crisis assessment PRIMARILY refers to:

Accepted Answer

The degree to which a suicidal or violent plan could result in death or serious injury

Answer

The client's overall psychiatric diagnosis severity

Answer

A client's history of prior hospitalizations

Answer

The toxicity level of substances a client has ingested