RBT Crisis Prevention and Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of conducting a debriefing after a crisis incident?
- To determine disciplinary action against the client
- To review what happened, assess staff and client wellbeing, and identify improvements to the crisis plan (Correct answer)
- To notify insurance and legal teams about the event
- To reassign the client to a different RBT permanently
Correct answer: To review what happened, assess staff and client wellbeing, and identify improvements to the crisis plan
Post-crisis debriefing allows the team to analyze the event, support involved individuals, and improve prevention and intervention strategies.
Question 2: During a restraint, a client says 'I can't breathe.' What should the RBT do?
- Continue the restraint until the BCBA arrives
- Immediately reassess the hold and release or adjust it to ensure airway safety (Correct answer)
- Assume it is a verbal escape attempt and maintain position
- Document the statement and continue per the written protocol
Correct answer: Immediately reassess the hold and release or adjust it to ensure airway safety
Complaints of breathing difficulty during physical intervention require immediate reassessment because positional asphyxia is a life-threatening risk.
Question 3: A client has a known history of property destruction during transitions. Which strategy BEST reflects crisis prevention?
- Conducting transitions abruptly to avoid prolonged exposure
- Using a visual or auditory cue to warn the client of upcoming transitions (Correct answer)
- Implementing a restraint protocol at the start of every transition
- Removing all objects from the environment during transitions
Correct answer: Using a visual or auditory cue to warn the client of upcoming transitions
Warning cues before transitions are an antecedent intervention that helps the client prepare and reduces the likelihood of destructive behavior.
Question 4: Which of the following is a mandated reporter obligation for an RBT who witnesses suspected abuse of a client?
- Report only if the BCBA gives permission
- Report the suspicion to the appropriate authority as required by state law (Correct answer)
- Document it internally and review at the next team meeting
- Wait for physical evidence before making any report
Correct answer: Report the suspicion to the appropriate authority as required by state law
RBTs are typically mandated reporters and are legally required to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities regardless of supervisor approval.
Question 5: A client's behavior plan does not address a new dangerous behavior that emerged during a session. The RBT should:
- Apply a physical restraint technique from training
- Ensure safety using the least restrictive means available and immediately inform the BCBA (Correct answer)
- End the session and send the client home
- Continue the session as planned and document at the end
Correct answer: Ensure safety using the least restrictive means available and immediately inform the BCBA
When a new dangerous behavior arises that the plan does not address, the RBT must prioritize safety and consult the BCBA immediately for guidance.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes 'de-escalation' in the context of crisis intervention?
- Removing all reinforcers until the behavior stops
- Using techniques such as calm verbal communication and reduced demands to lower a client's arousal level (Correct answer)
- Applying a restraint to quickly stop dangerous behavior
- Increasing the pace of the session to redirect the client's attention
Correct answer: Using techniques such as calm verbal communication and reduced demands to lower a client's arousal level
De-escalation involves using non-physical strategies like calm tone, reduced demands, and empathetic communication to reduce a client's emotional arousal.
Question 7: After a physical crisis intervention, an RBT notices the client has a bruise on their arm. What should the RBT do?
- Cover it and continue the session without documentation
- Document the injury, report it to the BCBA, and follow agency incident reporting procedures (Correct answer)
- Only document it if the client or caregiver asks about it
- Assume it was a pre-existing injury and take no action
Correct answer: Document the injury, report it to the BCBA, and follow agency incident reporting procedures
Any injury occurring during or after a physical intervention must be documented and reported to the BCBA and per agency policy immediately.
RBT Crisis Prevention and Safety 5
What is the primary purpose of conducting a debriefing after a crisis incident?