SBVC Psychiatric Technician State
Board Examination Review Questions
and Answers Latest Update Graded A+
What is the main goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy in psychiatric care?
✔✔ To change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills
Why is a therapeutic milieu important in psychiatric settings?
✔✔ It creates a safe and supportive environment for recovery
What should a technician do if a patient refuses to take medication?
✔✔ Assess the reasons for refusal and provide education on benefits and risks
What is an appropriate intervention for a patient with borderline personality disorder?
✔✔ Set clear boundaries while maintaining a supportive approach
How can a technician support a patient withdrawing from alcohol?
✔✔ Monitor for symptoms of withdrawal and provide medical support as needed
1
,Why is patient confidentiality important in psychiatric care?
✔✔ It builds trust and ensures compliance with ethical guidelines
What is a key symptom of major depressive disorder?
✔✔ Persistent sadness and loss of interest in daily activities
What should a technician do if a patient becomes physically aggressive?
✔✔ Ensure safety, use verbal de-escalation, and seek assistance if needed
How can a psychiatric technician help a patient struggling with social anxiety?
✔✔ Encourage gradual exposure to social situations with coping techniques
What is the primary goal of group therapy?
✔✔ To provide peer support and improve social skills
What should a technician do if a patient reports hearing voices telling them to harm themselves?
✔✔ Assess immediate risk and notify the treatment team immediately
2
,What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication with psychiatric patients?
✔✔ To build trust and encourage open expression
How should a psychiatric technician respond to a patient experiencing hallucinations?
✔✔ Acknowledge their feelings without reinforcing the hallucination
What is the most important factor when assessing a patient for suicidal ideation?
✔✔ The presence of a specific plan and means to carry it out
Why is it important to establish a daily routine for patients with schizophrenia?
✔✔ It provides structure and reduces anxiety
What is the first step in de-escalating an agitated patient?
✔✔ Remain calm and use a non-threatening approach
How can a psychiatric technician support a patient with severe depression?
✔✔ Encourage small, manageable activities to prevent isolation
3
, What is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?
✔✔ Extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors or rigidity
Why is therapeutic touch sometimes avoided in psychiatric settings?
✔✔ It may be misinterpreted and trigger agitation or paranoia
What should a technician do if a patient expresses intent to harm someone?
✔✔ Report immediately to the treatment team for safety measures
Why is active listening important in mental health care?
✔✔ It helps the patient feel understood and validated
What is the purpose of a crisis intervention team?
✔✔ To provide immediate support and stabilize acute psychiatric crises
How should a psychiatric technician handle a patient with severe anxiety?
✔✔ Use grounding techniques and encourage slow breathing
4
Board Examination Review Questions
and Answers Latest Update Graded A+
What is the main goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy in psychiatric care?
✔✔ To change negative thought patterns and improve coping skills
Why is a therapeutic milieu important in psychiatric settings?
✔✔ It creates a safe and supportive environment for recovery
What should a technician do if a patient refuses to take medication?
✔✔ Assess the reasons for refusal and provide education on benefits and risks
What is an appropriate intervention for a patient with borderline personality disorder?
✔✔ Set clear boundaries while maintaining a supportive approach
How can a technician support a patient withdrawing from alcohol?
✔✔ Monitor for symptoms of withdrawal and provide medical support as needed
1
,Why is patient confidentiality important in psychiatric care?
✔✔ It builds trust and ensures compliance with ethical guidelines
What is a key symptom of major depressive disorder?
✔✔ Persistent sadness and loss of interest in daily activities
What should a technician do if a patient becomes physically aggressive?
✔✔ Ensure safety, use verbal de-escalation, and seek assistance if needed
How can a psychiatric technician help a patient struggling with social anxiety?
✔✔ Encourage gradual exposure to social situations with coping techniques
What is the primary goal of group therapy?
✔✔ To provide peer support and improve social skills
What should a technician do if a patient reports hearing voices telling them to harm themselves?
✔✔ Assess immediate risk and notify the treatment team immediately
2
,What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication with psychiatric patients?
✔✔ To build trust and encourage open expression
How should a psychiatric technician respond to a patient experiencing hallucinations?
✔✔ Acknowledge their feelings without reinforcing the hallucination
What is the most important factor when assessing a patient for suicidal ideation?
✔✔ The presence of a specific plan and means to carry it out
Why is it important to establish a daily routine for patients with schizophrenia?
✔✔ It provides structure and reduces anxiety
What is the first step in de-escalating an agitated patient?
✔✔ Remain calm and use a non-threatening approach
How can a psychiatric technician support a patient with severe depression?
✔✔ Encourage small, manageable activities to prevent isolation
3
, What is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?
✔✔ Extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors or rigidity
Why is therapeutic touch sometimes avoided in psychiatric settings?
✔✔ It may be misinterpreted and trigger agitation or paranoia
What should a technician do if a patient expresses intent to harm someone?
✔✔ Report immediately to the treatment team for safety measures
Why is active listening important in mental health care?
✔✔ It helps the patient feel understood and validated
What is the purpose of a crisis intervention team?
✔✔ To provide immediate support and stabilize acute psychiatric crises
How should a psychiatric technician handle a patient with severe anxiety?
✔✔ Use grounding techniques and encourage slow breathing
4
