Violence risk assessment in psychosis — MCQs

A 23-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of being assaulted on the street. The patient claims that he has been followed by the government for quite some time and that he was assaulted by a government agent but was able to escape. He often hears voices telling him to hide. The patient has an unknown past medical history and admits to smoking marijuana frequently. On physical exam, the patient has no signs of trauma. When interviewing the patient, he is seen conversing with an external party that is not apparent to you. The patient states that he is afraid for his life and that agents are currently pursuing him. What is the best initial response to this patient’s statement?

An 8-year-old boy is brought in by his mother who is concerned about her child’s behavior. She says his teachers have complained about him bullying other students at school, starting fights, and stealing other children’s lunch money. She also says that a neighbor down the street called her 6 months ago and reported that the patient had entered her yard and started viciously kicking her dog. He has no significant past medical history. He is in the 90th percentile for height and weight and has been meeting all developmental milestones. The patient is afebrile and his vital signs are within normal limits. Which of the following adult personality disorders does this patient’s diagnosis most likely predict?

A 55-year-old male was picked up by police in the public library for harassing the patrons and for public nudity. He displayed disorganized speech and believed that the books were the only way to his salvation. Identification was found on the man and his sister was called to provide more information. She described that he recently lost his house and got divorced within the same week although he seemed fine three days ago. The man was sedated with diazepam and chlorpromazine because he was very agitated. His labs returned normal and within three days, he appeared normal, had no recollection of the past several days, and discussed in detail how stressful the past two weeks of his life were. He was discharged the next day. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnosis for this male?

An 18-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after his mother found him locked in his room stammering about a government conspiracy to brainwash him in subterranean tunnels. His mother says that he has never done this before, but 6 months ago he stopped going to classes and was subsequently suspended from college. She reports that he has become increasingly taciturn over the course of the past month. He drinks one to two beers daily and has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 3 years. He occasionally smokes marijuana. His father was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 25 years. The patient has had no friends or social contacts other than his mother since he was suspended. He appears unkempt and aloof. On mental status examination, he is disorganized and shows poverty of speech. He says his mood is "good." He does not hear voices and has no visual or tactile hallucinations. Toxicology screening is negative. Which of the following is an unfavorable prognostic factor for this patient's condition?

A 60-year-old man who was admitted for a fractured hip and is awaiting surgery presents with acute onset altered mental status. The patient is noted by the nurses to be shouting and screaming profanities and has already pulled out his IV and urine catheter. He says he believes he is being kept against his will and does not recall falling or fracturing his hip. The patient must be restrained by the staff to prevent him from getting out of bed. He is refusing a physical exam. Initial examination reveals an agitated elderly man with a trickle of blood flowing down his left arm. He is screaming and swinging his fists at the staff. The patient is oriented x 1. Which of the following is the next, best step in the management of this patient?

A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her friend because of strange behavior. Two hours ago, she was at a night club where she got involved in a fight with the bartender. Her friend says that she was smoking a cigarette before she became irritable and combative. She repeatedly asked “Why are you pouring blood in my drink?” before hitting the bartender. She has no history of psychiatric illness. Her temperature is 38°C (100.4°F), pulse is 100/min, respirations are 19/min, and blood pressure is 158/95 mm Hg. Examination shows muscle rigidity. She has a reduced degree of facial expression. She has no recollection of her confrontation with the bartender. Which of the following is the most likely primary mechanism responsible for this patient's symptoms?

A 17-year-old man is brought by his mother to his pediatrician in order to complete medical clearance forms prior to attending college. During the visit, his mother asks about what health risks he should be aware of in college. Specifically, she recently saw on the news that some college students were killed by a fatal car crash. She therefore asks about causes of death in this population. Which of the following is true about the causes of death in college age individuals?

A 28-year-old woman is brought to a counselor by her father after he found out that she is being physically abused by her husband. The father reports that she refuses to end the relationship with her husband despite the physical abuse. She says that she feels uneasy when her husband is not around. She adds, “I'm worried that if I leave him, my life will only get worse.” She has never been employed since they got married because she is convinced that nobody would hire her. Her husband takes care of most household errands and pays all of the bills. Physical examination shows several bruises on the thighs and back. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 23-year-old male presents to the emergency department. He was brought in by police for shouting on a subway. The patient claims that little people were trying to kill him, and he was acting within his rights to defend himself. The patient has a past medical history of marijuana and IV drug use as well as multiple suicide attempts. He is currently homeless. While in the ED, the patient is combative and refuses a physical exam. He is given IM haloperidol and diphenhydramine. The patient is transferred to the inpatient psychiatric unit and is continued on haloperidol throughout the next week. Though he is no longer aggressive, he is seen making "armor" out of paper plates and plastic silverware to defend himself. The patient is switched onto risperidone. The following week the patient is still seen gathering utensils, and muttering about people trying to harm him. The patient's risperidone is discontinued. Which of the following is the best next step in management?

A 23-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by the police after attempting to assault a waiter with a broom. The patient states that the FBI has been following him his entire life and that this man was an agent spying on him. The patient has a past medical history of irritable bowel syndrome. His temperature is 98.0°F (36.7°C), blood pressure is 137/68 mmHg, pulse is 110/min, respirations are 15/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. Physical exam is deferred due to patient combativeness. The patient is given haloperidol and diphenhydramine. The patient is later seen in his room still agitated. Intraosseous access is obtained. Which of the following is the best next step in management?