MRCPsych Emergency Response Procedures 3

Question 1

A patient with known schizophrenia is brought to the emergency department by police under Section 136. Within what timeframe must a Mental Health Act assessment be completed?

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

The Mental Health Act 2007 amendment requires a Section 136 assessment to be completed within 24 hours of arrival at a place of safety.

Question 2

In rapid tranquilization of an agitated patient, lorazepam is preferred over diazepam for intramuscular use primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam has more predictable intramuscular absorption

Answer

Lorazepam has more reliable and predictable absorption when given intramuscularly compared to diazepam, which has erratic IM absorption.

Question 3

A psychiatric patient in the emergency department develops acute dystonia after receiving haloperidol. What is the first-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular procyclidine 5-10mg

Answer

Intramuscular procyclidine (an anticholinergic) is the first-line treatment for acute dystonia caused by antipsychotics.

Question 4

When assessing suicide risk in an emergency setting, which validated tool is most commonly used to guide immediate clinical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Answer

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is widely used in emergency settings to assess suicide ideation and behavior severity.

Question 5

A patient is found unresponsive following a suspected benzodiazepine overdose. After ensuring airway, breathing, and circulation, which pharmacological agent may be administered?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil

Answer

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist used to reverse benzodiazepine-induced sedation in overdose situations.

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

MRCPsych Emergency Response Procedures 3