Questions and Answers
What is the most appropriate way to manage a 38-year-old male with schizophrenia who is screaming and throwing things?
Restrain the patient with appropriate force in order to treat his injuries.
What does positional asphyxia refer to?
Restriction of chest wall movements and/or airway obstruction; can rapidly lead to sudden death.
How should you approach a male who intentionally cut his wrist out of anger?
Calmly identify yourself to the patient.
A behavioral crisis interferes with which of the following?
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When is a general impression of the patient formed by an EMT?
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Everyone exhibits some signs and symptoms of mental illness at some point in life ____________.
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From a mental health standpoint, a disturbing pattern of behavior is concerning if it lasts for at least how long?
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What are signs of excited delirium?
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The two basic categories of diagnosis that a physician will use for behavioral crises or psychiatric emergencies are ____________.
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What is the most common misconception surrounding mental illness?
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When a psychiatric emergency arises, a patient is most likely to exhibit which of the following behaviors?
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What should EMTs remember when caring for a patient experiencing excited delirium?
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What is a good guideline for the physical examination of any patient?
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What is an example of a psychiatric emergency?
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Which of the following is considered an organic brain syndrome?
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What term applies to a state of delusion where the patient is out of touch with reality?
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Why might EMTs encounter a larger proportion of violent patients?
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How should you manage a 45-year-old female who expresses frequent thoughts of suicide?
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What should you do if a 27-year-old patient with a history of depression refuses hospital treatment?
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What is a relevant question to ask a 32-year-old male who may be experiencing PTSD after returning from Afghanistan?
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Which of the following findings is least predictive of a patient's potential for violence?
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Study Notes
Behavioral Crisis Management
- Restraint may be necessary for individuals with behavioral issues, especially with self-inflicted injuries.
- Communication is vital; remain calm and identify yourself to de-escalate situations.
Positional Asphyxia
- Defined as restriction of chest movements or airway obstruction, can lead to rapid death.
Mental Illness Insights
- Experiencing signs of mental illness does not equate to being mentally ill.
- A pattern of disturbing behavior is concerning if it persists for at least one month.
Excited Delirium
- Symptoms include diaphoresis (sweating), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and hallucinations.
- Violent behavior in these cases can lead to sudden death if left uncontrolled.
Psychiatric Emergencies
- Any behavior that poses a violent threat is indicative of a psychiatric emergency.
- An example includes individuals violently attacking others or family members.
Organic Brain Syndromes
- Alzheimer's dementia is classified as an organic brain syndrome.
Psychosis
- Characterized by delusions and loss of touch with reality.
EMTs and Violence
- EMTs encounter more violent patients due to the nature of their emergency calls.
Assessing Suicidal Thoughts
- Directly ask whether there is a plan for suicide when assessing severely depressed patients.
Transport Situations
- In cases of potential life-threatening emergencies where patients refuse transport, stay with them and arrange alternative transport options.
Impact of Military Service
- Withdrawal and nightmares in veterans may indicate underlying mental health issues; inquire about their experiences during service.
Predicting Violence
- Patients' physical size is less predictive of potential violence compared to their behavior and emotional state.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on mental health scenarios outlined in EMT Chapter 22. This quiz features a case study involving a patient with schizophrenia, assessing your understanding of emergency response and appropriate interventions. Perfect for EMT students preparing for real-life situations.
