FISDAP Behavioral and Psychiatric Emergencies

Question 1

When responding to a behavioral emergency, what is the EMT's first priority upon arrival?

Accepted Answer

Ensure scene safety before approaching

Answer

Administer sedation to calm the patient

Answer

Perform a rapid psychiatric assessment

Answer

Restrain the patient to prevent injury

Question 2

Which of the following findings in a patient with altered behavior should prompt the EMT to suspect an ORGANIC (medical) cause rather than a psychiatric cause?

Accepted Answer

A blood glucose of 34 mg/dL

Answer

A history of schizophrenia

Answer

Gradual onset of behavioral changes over years

Answer

Auditory hallucinations reported by the patient's family

Question 3

A patient is agitated, diaphoretic, hyperthermic, and showing signs of extreme strength. Law enforcement is on scene. The EMT suspects excited delirium. What is the most important consideration during physical restraint?

Accepted Answer

Monitor airway and avoid positional asphyxia after restraint

Answer

Position the patient prone with hands behind the back after restraint

Answer

Use only soft restraints to prevent injury

Answer

Restrain legs only to allow for breathing

Question 4

Which of the following is the MOST important question to ask when assessing suicide risk in a patient?

Accepted Answer

Do you have a specific plan for how you would harm yourself?

Answer

Have you ever been depressed before?

Answer

Are you taking any psychiatric medications?

Answer

How long have you been feeling this way?

Question 5

A patient in a psychiatric crisis refuses transport and has no injury. Law enforcement states the patient was found wandering in traffic. Under what authority can the patient be transported against their will?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary commitment laws or a physician's order, when the patient poses a danger to themselves or others

Answer

Implied consent, because the patient is emotionally distressed

Answer

The family's verbal consent is sufficient

Answer

EMTs always have the authority to transport any patient who refuses

Question 6

Which communication technique is MOST effective when de-escalating an agitated patient experiencing a psychiatric emergency?

Accepted Answer

Use a calm, low tone, maintain non-threatening body posture, and listen actively

Answer

Speak loudly and assertively to establish authority

Answer

Tell the patient their fears are irrational to redirect their thinking

Answer

Avoid eye contact entirely to prevent confrontation