Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What action should be taken when a mental patient with a history of mental illness is expressing unusual thoughts?

1. Encourage her to share her feelings

2. Ignore the behavior

3. Immediately call for psychiatric evaluation

4. Redirect the conversation to other subjects

The correct answer is: Encourage her to share her feelings

Encouraging the individual to share her feelings is a crucial step in establishing communication and trust, particularly in the context of mental health issues. This approach allows the person to articulate her thoughts and emotions, which can provide insight into her current mental state. By creating a supportive environment, the responder can help the patient feel heard and validated, potentially reducing her distress. Understanding the patient's perspective is essential for effective assessment and care. It may also allow the paramedic to identify any imminent risks, including self-harm or harm to others, and respond appropriately. This action is not only therapeutic but also essential for gathering critical information that could inform further medical or psychiatric interventions. While the other actions listed may have their merits in certain contexts, they do not facilitate meaningful engagement with the patient. Ignoring the behavior could lead to an escalation of distress or worsening of her mental state, while redirecting the conversation might prevent the patient from expressing important feelings and thoughts that need to be addressed. Calling for a psychiatric evaluation is necessary when the situation escalates or if there are clear indicators of severe risk, but engagement is the first step in managing the situation effectively.