CRC Crisis Intervention Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which factor is MOST important to assess when determining the lethality of a client's suicidal ideation?
- Whether the client has ever discussed recovery before
- The specificity and availability of a suicide plan and means (Correct answer)
- The client's length of time in recovery
- Whether the client has family members who support them
Correct answer: The specificity and availability of a suicide plan and means
Specificity of plan and access to means are the strongest predictors of suicide lethality.
Question 2: A client in crisis appears to be dissociating. Which grounding technique is MOST appropriate?
- Encouraging the client to recall traumatic memories to process them
- Using the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness technique (Correct answer)
- Asking the client to imagine a future without problems
- Providing detailed psychoeducation about dissociation
Correct answer: Using the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness technique
The 5-4-3-2-1 technique engages all five senses to anchor a dissociating person back to the present moment.
Question 3: What does the term 'crisis equilibrium' refer to in crisis intervention?
- The balance between support and confrontation a coach must maintain
- The state of psychological stability a person returns to after a crisis is resolved (Correct answer)
- Equal distribution of coping resources among clients
- A neutral emotional state required before starting recovery coaching
Correct answer: The state of psychological stability a person returns to after a crisis is resolved
Crisis equilibrium is the goal of restoring the client's pre-crisis level of functioning and psychological balance.
Question 4: When de-escalating a verbally aggressive client, which approach is MOST effective?
- Matching the client's intensity to demonstrate empathy
- Speaking in a calm, low tone and using open body language (Correct answer)
- Setting firm ultimatums to establish control
- Immediately involving law enforcement
Correct answer: Speaking in a calm, low tone and using open body language
Calm tone and open body language signal safety and help lower the client's arousal level.
Question 5: Which of the following is a primary goal during the stabilization phase of crisis intervention?
- Resolving all underlying issues that caused the crisis
- Helping the client regain a sense of safety and immediate coping (Correct answer)
- Completing a full psychosocial assessment
- Transitioning the client to long-term therapy
Correct answer: Helping the client regain a sense of safety and immediate coping
Stabilization focuses on restoring immediate safety and coping capacity, not deep problem resolution.
Question 6: A client in acute crisis refuses help and is at imminent risk of harm. What is the recovery coach's obligation?
- Respect autonomy fully and take no further action
- Contact emergency services because the duty to protect overrides client refusal in imminent danger (Correct answer)
- Document the refusal and wait for the client to reach out again
- Consult with a peer for a second opinion before acting
Correct answer: Contact emergency services because the duty to protect overrides client refusal in imminent danger
Imminent risk of harm obligates the coach to involve emergency services even when the client refuses, as safety supersedes autonomy.
Question 7: Which component distinguishes a crisis from everyday stress in crisis intervention theory?
- The presence of physical symptoms
- The perception that available coping resources are overwhelmed by the situation (Correct answer)
- A duration of more than 24 hours
- The involvement of substances
Correct answer: The perception that available coping resources are overwhelmed by the situation
A crisis is defined by the individual's perception that their usual coping mechanisms are insufficient for the situation.
CRC Crisis Intervention Skills 3
Which factor is MOST important to assess when determining the lethality of a client's suicidal ideation?