Crisis Prevention and Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real RBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Crisis Prevention and Safety flashcards as text
During a session, a client begins escalating and makes a verbal threat toward the RBT. What is the RBT's FIRST priority?
Answer: Ensure the safety of the client, the RBT, and others in the environment
Safety is always the first priority during a behavioral crisis. The RBT must act to ensure the safety of all parties before implementing any consequence or continuing the session.
Which of the following is a behavioral sign that a client may be in the EARLY stages of behavioral escalation?
Answer: The client displays increased motor activity, louder vocalizations, and begins refusing materials
Early escalation signs include increased motor activity, louder or more frequent vocalizations, and refusal of tasks or materials — these are behavioral indicators that the client's arousal level is rising before reaching peak.
What is the purpose of a 'safe room' or designated calm area in a behavioral support setting?
Answer: To provide a low-stimulation space the client can access voluntarily or be directed to when they are escalating, to facilitate de-escalation
A calm area is designed as a therapeutic de-escalation space — a low-stimulation environment that supports the client in returning to baseline. It is not a punishment and should ideally be available voluntarily.
An RBT is implementing a session and the client begins banging their head against the wall. The behavior is not in the crisis plan. What should the RBT do?
Answer: Physically stop the client, then immediately contact the supervising BCBA for guidance
When a client engages in dangerous behavior not covered by the current crisis plan, the RBT should prioritize safety (physically stopping the behavior if necessary), then immediately contact the supervising BCBA for guidance on how to proceed.
Which of the following would be LEAST helpful during de-escalation of a client who is still in a heightened state?
Answer: Processing the behavior in detail and reviewing consequences with the client immediately
Processing the behavior or applying consequence-based interventions while the client is still heightened is counterproductive. The client is not in a regulated state for learning and processing — this should wait until they are fully calm.
Which of the following is a key difference between a 'crisis plan' and a 'behavior intervention plan (BIP)' in ABA?
Answer: A crisis plan addresses immediate safety and management of dangerous behavior; a BIP addresses the broader context of behavior change including antecedents, replacement skills, and reinforcement
A crisis/safety plan focuses on procedures for managing immediate safety during dangerous behavior. A BIP is a comprehensive document addressing function, antecedent strategies, replacement behaviors, reinforcement, and long-term behavior change.