DSP Crisis Prevention and Intervention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person you support begins pacing rapidly and clenching their fists after a phone call. This behavior most likely represents which phase of the crisis cycle?
- Resolution phase
- Tension-building phase (Correct answer)
- Acting-out phase
- Recovery phase
Correct answer: Tension-building phase
Pacing and clenching fists are physical signs of escalating tension, indicating the tension-building phase before a crisis peaks.
Question 2: Which communication technique is MOST effective when a person is in a heightened emotional state during a crisis?
- Speak rapidly to show urgency
- Use short, simple sentences in a calm tone (Correct answer)
- Repeat instructions loudly until understood
- Provide multiple options to empower choice
Correct answer: Use short, simple sentences in a calm tone
Short, simple sentences delivered calmly reduce cognitive overload and help de-escalate an agitated individual.
Question 3: A DSP's FIRST responsibility when a physical crisis erupts in a group home is to:
- Restrain the person immediately to prevent injury
- Ensure the safety of all individuals present (Correct answer)
- Document the incident in detail
- Call the supervisor before taking any action
Correct answer: Ensure the safety of all individuals present
Ensuring the safety of all individuals present is always the first priority before any other response.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a PRIMARY prevention strategy in crisis prevention?
- Applying a physical hold during aggression
- Calling 911 when a person is self-injuring
- Identifying and reducing known environmental triggers (Correct answer)
- Debriefing after a crisis event
Correct answer: Identifying and reducing known environmental triggers
Primary prevention focuses on removing or reducing triggers before a crisis occurs rather than responding after.
Question 5: During post-crisis debriefing, the DSP should focus PRIMARILY on:
- Assigning blame for what went wrong
- Reviewing consequences with the individual
- Understanding what triggered the crisis and how to prevent recurrence (Correct answer)
- Documenting the restraint for legal purposes
Correct answer: Understanding what triggered the crisis and how to prevent recurrence
Debriefing aims to identify triggers and improve future prevention strategies, not to assign blame.
Question 6: Which body language posture is MOST appropriate for a DSP trying to de-escalate a crisis situation?
- Arms crossed, standing directly in front of the person
- Turned slightly sideways, arms relaxed at sides (Correct answer)
- Hands on hips, maintaining direct eye contact
- Leaning forward with finger pointed to emphasize directions
Correct answer: Turned slightly sideways, arms relaxed at sides
A slightly sideways stance with relaxed arms appears less threatening and helps reduce the individual's defensive response.
Question 7: When a behavior support plan includes specific crisis procedures, the DSP is legally and ethically required to:
- Use the procedures only when other methods have failed for 30 minutes
- Follow the procedures as written unless there is immediate danger (Correct answer)
- Modify procedures based on personal judgment in the moment
- Implement the procedures only after supervisor approval
Correct answer: Follow the procedures as written unless there is immediate danger
DSPs must follow written behavior support plan procedures; deviation is only appropriate when immediate safety requires it.
DSP Crisis Prevention and Intervention 2
A person you support begins pacing rapidly and clenching their fists after a phone call.
This behavior most likely represents which phase of the crisis cycle?