CPC Mental and Behavioral Health 3

Question 1

A community paramedic is following up on a patient with major depressive disorder who reports new-onset thoughts of suicide but denies a plan or intent. The most appropriate next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a structured suicide risk assessment and notify the care team immediately

Answer

Any suicidal ideation, even without a plan, requires a formal structured risk assessment (e.g., Columbia Protocol) and same-day care team notification to guide disposition.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'psychiatric advance directives' in community paramedic practice?

Accepted Answer

Legal documents in which patients specify their mental health treatment preferences when they lack capacity

Answer

Psychiatric advance directives are patient-authored legal documents that guide treatment decisions when the patient loses decision-making capacity during a psychiatric crisis.

Question 3

A patient with anxiety disorder reports that their prescribed SSRI causes sexual dysfunction. Using a shared decision-making approach, the community paramedic should:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the concern, validate it as a real side effect, and encourage discussion with their prescriber about alternatives

Answer

Shared decision-making requires acknowledging patient concerns, validating their experience, and facilitating a conversation with the prescriber rather than dismissing or independently altering treatment.

Question 4

Which of the following population groups has the highest rate of completed suicide in the United States?

Accepted Answer

White males over age 65

Answer

White males over age 65 have the highest rate of completed suicide in the US, often using more lethal means and less frequently disclosing suicidal ideation beforehand.

Question 5

A community paramedic identifies a patient with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who frequently calls 911 for non-emergency complaints. The most effective community-based strategy is to:

Accepted Answer

Develop an individualized care plan with the psychiatric team to address triggers and provide structured support

Answer

Individualized care plans that address underlying triggers and provide predictable, structured support reduce high utilization and improve outcomes for patients with BPD.

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

CPC Mental and Behavioral Health 3