An individual has recently begun hearing voices.

When an individual reports hearing voices, the practitioner’s initial focus is to understand the experience’s impact to inform person-centered planning. The CPRP Exam Blueprint (Domain IV: Assessment, Planning, and Outcomes) emphasizes assessing how symptoms affect daily functioning to identify needs and strengths (Task IV.A.1: "Conduct functional assessments to identify individual goals and strengths"). Option C (ask the individual how the voices are impacting daily functioning) aligns with this, as understanding the voices’ effect on activities like work, relationships, or self-care guides the development of tailored interventions, ensuring they address the individual’s priorities and functional challenges.

Option A (assess risk of harm) is important but not the most immediate step, as not all voices indicate risk, and functioning assessment informs risk evaluation. Option B (encourage speaking with a psychiatrist) assumes a medical intervention without first understanding the impact, which may not align with the individual’s needs. Option D (learn distraction skills) is a potential intervention but premature without assessing functional impact. The PRA Study Guide underscores functional assessment as the starting point for addressing symptoms like voices, supporting Option C.