RP Emergency Response Procedures 2

Question 1

A client discloses they have a specific plan to harm a family member tonight. What is the psychotherapist's FIRST priority?

Accepted Answer

Contact the intended victim and law enforcement

Answer

When a client poses an imminent threat to an identifiable third party, the Tarasoff duty to warn requires notifying the intended victim and law enforcement as the immediate first step.

Question 2

During a telehealth session, a client becomes unresponsive on camera. Which action should the therapist take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 and provide the client's address

Answer

Calling 911 with the client's address is the most time-sensitive action that can dispatch emergency services to the client's location immediately.

Question 3

A client who has been stable for months calls the crisis line stating they ingested an unknown number of pills. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Encourage the client to call Poison Control and 911 immediately

Answer

A potential overdose is a medical emergency requiring Poison Control and emergency services before any therapeutic intervention.

Question 4

A client in a session reveals they have been stockpiling medications 'just in case.' According to best practice, the therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a thorough lethality assessment and develop a safety plan

Answer

Stockpiling medications indicates means access and warrants a formal lethality assessment and collaborative safety planning as the standard clinical response.

Question 5

Which document should a therapist complete IMMEDIATELY following any emergency intervention with a client?

Accepted Answer

A detailed clinical note documenting the incident, decisions, and rationale

Answer

Contemporaneous documentation of emergency situations protects the client, the clinician, and demonstrates that appropriate standard-of-care decisions were made.

(RP) Registered Psychotherapist Certification Practice Test

(RP) Registered Psychotherapist Certification Practice Test

RP Emergency Response Procedures 2