DSP - Direct Support Professional Crisis Prevention and Intervention Questions and Answers

Question 1

An individual a DSP supports is showing early warning signs of a crisis, such as pacing and speaking in a louder-than-usual tone.
Which of the following is the MOST proactive and effective initial response?

Accepted Answer

Calmly ask the individual if something is bothering them and offer to listen.

Answer

Immediately implement a physical restraint to ensure safety.

Answer

Ignore the behavior, assuming it will pass on its own.

Answer

Tell the individual to stop pacing and lower their voice.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) as a crisis prevention strategy?

Accepted Answer

To teach new skills and modify the environment to improve quality of life and make challenging behaviors irrelevant.

Answer

To eliminate all challenging behaviors immediately through strict consequences.

Answer

To rely on as-needed (PRN) medication to manage all instances of agitation.

Answer

To ensure the individual complies with all staff directives without question.

Question 3

A DSP is working with an individual who has a known history of becoming aggressive when they feel crowded or overwhelmed. The DSP is planning a community outing to a local festival. Which of the following demonstrates the BEST proactive crisis prevention strategy?

Accepted Answer

Discussing the potential for crowds with the individual beforehand and planning for a quiet space to take a break if needed.

Answer

Avoiding all community outings to prevent any possibility of a crisis.

Answer

Going to the festival during peak hours to help the individual 'get used to' crowds.

Answer

Bringing emergency medication and restraint equipment to the festival.

Question 4

During a crisis, an individual is yelling and making verbal threats. The DSP's primary focus regarding their own body language should be to appear:

Accepted Answer

Calm, neutral, and non-threatening, with open posture.

Answer

Intimidating and authoritative to gain control of the situation.

Answer

Disinterested and bored to show the behavior is not effective.

Answer

Anxious and concerned to show empathy for the individual's distress.

Question 5

Which of the following is a critical component of post-crisis procedures for a DSP?

Accepted Answer

Documenting the incident objectively and participating in a debrief to identify what can be learned.

Answer

Determining a punishment for the individual to discourage future incidents.

Answer

Avoiding discussion of the incident with the individual to prevent re-traumatization.

Answer

Sharing detailed information about the crisis with all other individuals in the residence.

Question 6

An individual is in the middle of a behavioral crisis. When using verbal de-escalation techniques, the DSP should:

Accepted Answer

Use simple, direct language and allow for silence.

Answer

Use complex sentences and logical arguments to reason with the person.

Answer

Promise the individual anything they ask for to stop the behavior.

Answer

Raise their voice to be heard over the individual's yelling.