Behavioral Emergencies

Question 1

Define

Organic Brain Syndrome

Answer 1

a temporary or permanent dysfunction of the brain caused by a disturbance in the physical or physiologic
functioning of brain tissue

Question 2

What causes organic brain syndrome?

Answer 2

sudden illness; traumatic brain injury; seizure disorders; drug and alcohol abuse, overdose, or withdrawal; and diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer dementia or meningitis.

Question 3

Define

Functional Disorder

Answer 3

physiologic disorder that impairs bodily
function when the body seems to be structurally normal

Schizophrenia, anxiety conditions, and depression are good examples of functional disorders

Question 4

Define

Acute Psychosis

Answer 4

a state of delusion in which the person is out of touch with reality

Question 5

Define

Excited Delirium

Answer 5

A serious behavioral condition in which a person exhibits agitated behavior combined with disorientation, hallucinations, or delusions; also called agitated delirium or exhaustive mania.

Question 6

Define

Positional asphyxia

Answer 6

Restriction of chest wall movements and/or airway obstruction; can rapidly lead to sudden death

Question 7

Questions to ask in evaluating a mental health disorder

Question 8

Risk factors for suicide

Question 9

Define

PTSD

Answer 9

A delayed reaction to a prior
incident. Often the result of one or more conditions concerning
the incident, and may relate to an incident that involved physical
harm or the threat of physical harm.

Question 10

Define

Altered mental status

Answer 10

A change in the way a person thinks and behaves that may signal disease in the central nervous system or elsewhere in the body.

Question 11

Define

behavioral health emergency

Answer 11

An emergency in which abnormal behavior threatens a person’s own health and safety or the health and safety of another person—for example, when a person becomes suicidal or homicidal, or has a psychotic episode

Question 12

Define

Psychiatric disorder

Answer 12

An illness with psychological or behavioral symptoms and/or impairment in functioning caused by a social, psychological, genetic, physical, chemical, or biologic disturbance.

Question 13

Define

Psychosis

Answer 13

A mental disorder characterized by the loss of contact with reality.

Question 14

Define

Schizophrenia

Answer 14

A complex, difficult-to-identify mental disorder whose onset typically occurs during early adulthood. Symptoms typically become more prominent over time and include delusions, hallucinations, a lack of interest in pleasure, and erratic speech.

Question 15

Define

Behavioral crisis

Answer 15

The point at which a person’s reactions to events interfere with activities of daily living; this becomes a psychiatric
emergency when it causes a major life interruption, such as attempted suicide.

Question 16

What is a behavioral crisis?

Answer 16

A behavioral crisis is any reaction to events that interferes with the activities of daily living or has become unacceptable to the patient, family, or community.

Question 17

In a psychiatric emergency, how might a patient behave?

Answer 17

A patient may show agitation or violence or become a threat to themself, others, or their surroundings. This is more serious than a typical behavioral crisis.

Question 18

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. What can psychiatric disorders be associated with?

Answer 18

Psychiatric disorders are often associated with psychologic or behavioral symptoms that may result in impaired functioning

Question 19

What are some underlying causes of behavioral disorders or psychiatric emergencies?

Answer 19

Social and situational stress (like divorce or death), medical illnesses (like diabetic emergencies), chemical problems (like drug/alcohol use or biological disturbances such as electrolyte imbalances). These issues can be compounded by noncompliance with prescribed medication.

Question 20

What is the EMT’s role in a behavioral or psychiatric emergency?

Answer 20

To not diagnose, but to provide for your and the patient’s safety, calm and safely transport the patient to the hospital while monitoring their behavior.

Question 21

What is a key principle when dealing with a patient experiencing a behavioral health emergency?

Answer 21

Be caring and careful. Your safety and the patient’s safety are paramount. The line between a behavioral crisis and a psychiatric emergency may be blurred.

Question 22

The threat of suicide requires what kind of action?

Answer 22

Immediate intervention.

Question 23

What is the most significant risk factor for suicide?

Answer 23

Depression

Question 24

A patient with PTSD has experienced what?

Answer 24

Fear or anxiety during and after a traumatic event

Question 25

Patients experiencing excited delirium are generally not dangerous to the EMT unless what occurs?

Answer 25

They are provoked or mishandled. They may strike out irrationally if agitated

Question 26

If a patient in an unstable condition may need physical restraint, what is one of the most important factors to consider?

Answer 26

Your personal safety

Question 27

When dealing with a patient in a psychiatric emergency, what should you consider doing in terms of resources?

Answer 27

Consult medical command and request law enforcement assistance if needed.

Question 28

What is a crucial step when providing aid to a patient who is a victim of sexual assault?

Answer 28

Patient assessment and transport to an appropriate facility. Avoid disturbing a crime scene and preserve evidence according to local protocol.

Question 29

When restraining a patient, if restraints are required, what is essential for patient safety?

Answer 29

Use the minimum force necessary, ensure airway and circulation frequently, and document the use of restraints.