CPC Behavioral and Mental Health Support 2

Question 1

When conducting a mental health assessment using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), which item indicates the HIGHEST level of risk?

Accepted Answer

Active ideation with intent and plan

Answer

Active ideation with intent and a specific plan represents the most imminent risk on the C-SSRS. This combination requires immediate intervention and escalation to crisis services or emergency evaluation.

Question 2

A community paramedic visits a patient recently discharged from a psychiatric hospitalization. Which action BEST reduces the risk of 30-day readmission?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a follow-up appointment and confirm the patient has obtained medications

Answer

Care transitions are a high-risk period for psychiatric patients. Ensuring medication access and confirming a follow-up appointment addresses two of the most common drivers of readmission — medication non-adherence and missed follow-up care.

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes 'motivational interviewing' as it applies to community paramedicine?

Accepted Answer

A collaborative, patient-centered approach that explores and resolves ambivalence

Answer

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, patient-centered style of communication that explores and resolves ambivalence toward behavior change. It avoids confrontation and emphasizes the patient's own reasons and readiness for change.

Question 4

A patient discloses active alcohol use disorder during a home visit. The community paramedic should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Perform a CAGE or AUDIT-C screening and document findings

Answer

Standardized screening tools like CAGE or AUDIT-C provide objective severity scoring, guide intervention intensity, and create a documented baseline. This is the evidence-based first step before any referral or intervention decision.

Question 5

Which of the following is a recognized 'warning sign' of impending caregiver burnout that a community paramedic should identify during a home visit?

Accepted Answer

The caregiver expresses resentment and social isolation

Answer

Resentment toward the care recipient and social isolation are hallmark warning signs of caregiver burnout. These indicators signal a need for respite services, community resources, and mental health support referrals.

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

CPC Behavioral and Mental Health Support 2