Crisis Prevention and Intervention Flashcards

A person you support begins pacing rapidly and clenching their fists after a phone call. This behavior most likely represents which phase of the crisis cycle?

Answer: Tension-building phase

Pacing and clenching fists are physical signs of escalating tension, indicating the tension-building phase before a crisis peaks.

Which communication technique is MOST effective when a person is in a heightened emotional state during a crisis?

Answer: Use short, simple sentences in a calm tone

Short, simple sentences delivered calmly reduce cognitive overload and help de-escalate an agitated individual.

A DSP's FIRST responsibility when a physical crisis erupts in a group home is to:

Answer: Ensure the safety of all individuals present

Ensuring the safety of all individuals present is always the first priority before any other response.

Which of the following is an example of a PRIMARY prevention strategy in crisis prevention?

Answer: Identifying and reducing known environmental triggers

Primary prevention focuses on removing or reducing triggers before a crisis occurs rather than responding after.

During post-crisis debriefing, the DSP should focus PRIMARILY on:

Answer: Understanding what triggered the crisis and how to prevent recurrence

Debriefing aims to identify triggers and improve future prevention strategies, not to assign blame.

Which body language posture is MOST appropriate for a DSP trying to de-escalate a crisis situation?

Answer: Turned slightly sideways, arms relaxed at sides

A slightly sideways stance with relaxed arms appears less threatening and helps reduce the individual's defensive response.

When a behavior support plan includes specific crisis procedures, the DSP is legally and ethically required to:

Answer: Follow the procedures as written unless there is immediate danger

DSPs must follow written behavior support plan procedures; deviation is only appropriate when immediate safety requires it.