Which of the following statements concerning behavioral emergencies is true?

• A. Behavioral emergencies are always caused by substance abuse.
• B. Behavioral emergencies do not require urgent intervention.
• C. Behavioral emergencies are only diagnosed in hospital settings.
• D. Behavioral emergencies can pose immediate risks to the safety of the individual or others.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a behavioral emergency. A behavioral emergency refers to a situation where an individual's behavior poses an immediate risk to their own safety or the safety of others, often requiring urgent intervention.
2. Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'Behavioral emergencies are always caused by substance abuse.' Consider that while substance abuse can be a factor, behavioral emergencies can arise from various causes such as mental illness, trauma, or acute stress, so this statement is too narrow and therefore false.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Behavioral emergencies do not require urgent intervention.' Since behavioral emergencies involve immediate risks, urgent intervention is typically necessary to prevent harm, making this statement false.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'Behavioral emergencies are only diagnosed in hospital settings.' Behavioral emergencies can be recognized in many settings, including community, home, or emergency scenes, not just hospitals, so this statement is false.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is: 'Behavioral emergencies can pose immediate risks to the safety of the individual or others,' as it accurately reflects the nature and urgency of behavioral emergencies.