CPI Behavioral Risk Assessment & Intervention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a CPI-trained environment, 'baseline behavior' is important to establish because it:
- Replaces the need for individualized behavior support plans
- Helps staff recognize meaningful deviations that may signal risk (Correct answer)
- Documents the maximum level of force authorized for each client
- Provides legal protection in the event of an incident report
Correct answer: Helps staff recognize meaningful deviations that may signal risk
Knowing a person's baseline allows staff to detect deviations that may indicate rising risk before a crisis fully develops.
Question 2: A CPI Risk Assessment should be reviewed and updated MOST appropriately:
- Only after a physical intervention has occurred
- Annually during accreditation reviews
- Continuously as the individual's presentation and circumstances change (Correct answer)
- When requested by the individual's legal guardian
Correct answer: Continuously as the individual's presentation and circumstances change
CPI teaches that risk assessments are dynamic and should be updated whenever significant changes occur in the person's presentation or environment.
Question 3: Which scenario BEST represents a 'triggering' event according to CPI's behavioral risk framework?
- A client refuses all meals over a 24-hour period
- A client becomes agitated immediately after another client takes their seat at lunch (Correct answer)
- A client is observed sleeping more than usual over several days
- A client requests to speak with their case manager
Correct answer: A client becomes agitated immediately after another client takes their seat at lunch
An immediate, identifiable event such as having one's seat taken is a classic triggering event that precipitates behavioral escalation.
Question 4: When multiple staff members are responding to a behavioral crisis, CPI recommends that:
- All staff should speak to the individual simultaneously to project authority
- One designated staff member should take the lead verbal role (Correct answer)
- Physical intervention should begin immediately with multiple staff
- Junior staff should leave the area to prevent overstimulation
Correct answer: One designated staff member should take the lead verbal role
CPI advises that one staff member takes the lead communicator role to reduce confusion and overstimulation during a crisis.
Question 5: Which of the following represents the HIGHEST level of risk in assessing potential for harm to self or others according to CPI?
- Verbal threats made without a specific plan or means
- A history of aggressive behavior documented in the file
- A specific, current plan combined with access to means and stated intent (Correct answer)
- Increased pacing and agitation without verbal statements
Correct answer: A specific, current plan combined with access to means and stated intent
The combination of a specific plan, access to means, and stated intent represents the highest and most immediate level of risk.
Question 6: A client in the 'Tension Reduction' phase following a crisis MOST needs:
- Immediate consequences and a behavioral contract review
- Therapeutic communication and supportive rapport-building (Correct answer)
- Increased physical supervision and restricted privileges
- A new risk assessment completed by an outside consultant
Correct answer: Therapeutic communication and supportive rapport-building
After a crisis, CPI directs staff to use therapeutic communication and support during Tension Reduction to help the person reconnect and recover.
Question 7: According to CPI risk assessment principles, which internal factor MOST contributes to a person's potential for behavioral escalation?
- The staffing pattern on a given shift
- Unmet emotional or physical needs such as pain or fear (Correct answer)
- The physical layout of the facility
- The number of other clients present in the environment
Correct answer: Unmet emotional or physical needs such as pain or fear
CPI teaches that unmet needs — such as pain, fear, or frustration — are key internal precipitating factors that drive behavioral escalation.
CPI Behavioral Risk Assessment & Intervention 3
In a CPI-trained environment, 'baseline behavior' is important to establish because it: