PTSD Patient Safety & Risk Management 2

Question 1

A PTSD patient discloses a specific plan to harm a coworker. Under the Tarasoff duty-to-protect standard, the clinician's FIRST obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify law enforcement and warn the identifiable victim

Answer

Tarasoff requires clinicians to warn identifiable third parties and notify law enforcement when a patient poses a credible, specific threat.

Question 2

Which medication class is associated with the highest risk of QTc prolongation when used in PTSD patients who are also prescribed antipsychotics?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs such as sertraline

Answer

SSRIs, particularly citalopram and escitalopram, can prolong the QTc interval, increasing cardiac risk when combined with antipsychotics that also affect cardiac conduction.

Question 3

A veteran with PTSD is found unconscious with an empty pill bottle. After medical stabilization, the MOST important next step for ongoing safety is:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a comprehensive suicide risk reassessment before any discharge planning

Answer

A thorough risk reassessment is essential following any suicide attempt to determine the appropriate level of care and update the safety plan.

Question 4

Which documentation element is MOST critical when a clinician decides NOT to hospitalize a high-acuity PTSD patient against the patient's wishes?

Accepted Answer

A detailed clinical rationale including risk-benefit analysis and patient protective factors

Answer

Thorough documentation of clinical reasoning, identified risk and protective factors, and the decision-making process protects the clinician and demonstrates standard of care.

Question 5

A PTSD patient on prazosin for nightmares reports frequent dizziness when standing. Which safety risk does this MOST directly represent?

Accepted Answer

Orthostatic hypotension increasing fall risk

Answer

Prazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that lowers blood pressure and commonly causes orthostatic hypotension, elevating fall risk especially in older patients.

(PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Certification Practice Test

(PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Certification Practice Test

PTSD Patient Safety & Risk Management 2