Nokea
A client who just went through an upsetting divorce is threatening to commit suicide with a handgun. The client is involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?
- A. Hopelessness related to recent divorce.
- B. Ineffective coping related to inadequate stress management.
- C. Spiritual distress related to conflicting thoughts about suicide and sin.
- D. Risk for suicide related to a highly lethal plan.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The risk for suicide with a lethal plan is the highest priority, as safety is paramount in this situation.
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A client is admitted for major depression. What should the nurse expect to find during assessment?
- A. Anhedonia, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty focusing
- B. Depressed mood, guilt, and pressured speech
- C. Changes in sleep pattern, tired, and grandiose mood
- D. Difficulty focusing, feelings of helplessness, and flight of ideas
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Major depression typically presents with anhedonia, worthlessness, and difficulty focusing, unlike symptoms of mania.
A client who is manic states, 'What time is it? I have to see the doctor. Is breakfast here yet? I've got to see the doctor first. Can I get my cereal out of the kitchen?' Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Please slow down. I'm not sure what you need first.
- B. You will have to be quiet and have breakfast after the doctor comes.
- C. Are you hungry?
- D. Your thoughts seem to be racing this morning.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asking the client to slow down facilitates communication without blaming, addressing their pressured speech.
At 1 AM, the client with mania rushes to the nurses' station and demands that the psychiatrist come to the unit now to write an order for a pass to go home. What would be the nurse's most therapeutic response?
- A. Go to the day room and wait while I call your psychiatrist.
- B. Don't be unreasonable. I can't call the psychiatrist at this time of night.
- C. I can't call the psychiatrist now, but you and I can talk about your request for a pass.
- D. You must really be upset to want a pass immediately; I'll give you some medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response sets limits on an unreasonable demand while opening a dialogue to address the client's needs.
The nursing instructor is conducting a preconference with a group of nursing students on a psychiatric unit. Which statement made by a student reflects the greatest barrier to being able to provide professional care to the client who is suicidal?
- A. I just don't understand why anyone would want to kill themselves.
- B. I think suicide is wrong and selfish.
- C. I get frustrated when my client negates all the positives I try to point out.
- D. I can see how much my client is hurting inside.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Viewing suicide as wrong and selfish reflects a judgmental attitude, which can hinder empathetic and effective care.
Which client is at highest risk for carrying out a suicide plan?
- A. A client who plans to take a bottle of sleeping pills.
- B. A client who says, 'My life is over.'
- C. A client who has a private gun collection.
- D. A client who says, 'I'm going to jump off the next bridge I see.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Access to a lethal means like a gun collection significantly increases the likelihood of completing a suicide plan.