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

Scene safety is always the first priority in any EMS call, but it is especially critical in behavioral emergencies where the patient may be unpredictable or violent. EMTs should not approach until law enforcement has secured the scene if there is a threat.

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

Hypoglycemia (blood glucose of 34 mg/dL) is a classic organic (physical) cause of altered behavior and altered mental status. EMTs should always rule out medical causes — hypoglycemia, hypoxia, trauma, toxins — before assuming a psychiatric origin.

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

Positional asphyxia is a major risk after physical restraint in excited delirium patients. Once restrained, the patient must be placed in a position that does not compromise the airway or restrict breathing — typically lateral or supine — and monitored continuously. Prone restraint significantly increases mortality risk.

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

Having a specific, detailed plan is one of the strongest predictors of suicide risk and imminent danger. While all factors matter, a specific plan (including means, method, and time) indicates higher immediate risk than ideation alone.

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

Involuntary transport requires legal authority — typically state-specific involuntary commitment (psychiatric hold) laws or a physician's order. The basis is that the patient is a danger to themselves or others. EMTs cannot override a competent adult's refusal without this legal backing.

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

FISDAP Behavioral and Psychiatric Emergencies