Nokea
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about suicide and associated concepts. The group demonstrates understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as the probability that a person will successfully complete suicide?
- A. Parasuicide
- B. Suicidal ideation
- C. Suicidality
- D. Lethality
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lethality (D) refers to the probability that a person will successfully complete suicide, based on the method?s potential to cause death. Parasuicide (A) involves nonfatal acts, suicidal ideation (B) is thoughts of suicide, and suicidality (C) is a broader term encompassing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse determines that a patient is at imminent risk for suicide. Which of the following would be least appropriate to include in the patient?s plan of care?
- A. Listening intently and nonjudgmentally
- B. Validating the patient?s feelings and experience
- C. Instituting strict restriction on the patient?s activity
- D. Using cognitive interventions to foster hope
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strict activity restriction (C) is least appropriate for a patient at imminent suicide risk unless there is an immediate safety threat requiring such measures. Listening (A), validating feelings (B), and cognitive interventions (D) are therapeutic and supportive, aligning with best practices for managing suicidal patients.
A patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit 3 days ago because of suicidal ideation. His suicidal risk has lessened considerably, and he currently denies having any desire to kill himself. In addition, he is able to identify reasons why he wants to be alive. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate at this time?
- A. Assigning nursing staff to stay with him during his suicidal crisis
- B. Developing a personal plan for managing suicidal thoughts when they occur
- C. Advising the patient that he should consider electroconvulsive therapy treatments
- D. Administering psychotropic drugs that decrease the patient?s serotonin levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the patient?s risk has decreased and he is identifying reasons to live, developing a personal plan for managing suicidal thoughts (B) is appropriate to empower him and prevent future crises. Constant supervision (A) is unnecessary given the reduced risk. Electroconvulsive therapy (C) is not indicated without severe, treatment-resistant depression. Decreasing serotonin (D) would worsen depression.
A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a young adult woman who has a history of depression and who was brought to the hospital by her boyfriend. In response to the nurse?s question regarding suicidal ideation, the patient discloses that she is thinking about killing herself. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?
- A. What does your boyfriend think about your desire to kill yourself?
- B. What are your spiritual beliefs about suicide?
- C. What will killing yourself accomplish?
- D. What thoughts have you had about how you would kill yourself?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a patient expresses suicidal ideation, the nurse?s priority is to assess the specificity and immediacy of the risk by inquiring about a plan, as this indicates the degree of intent and potential lethality. Asking about specific thoughts on how the patient would kill herself (D) is critical for risk assessment. Options A, B, and C, while potentially relevant later, do not directly assess the immediate risk or plan.
The nurse is working with a patient who will be signing a commitment to treatment statement. After teaching the patient about this statement, the nurse determines the need for additional instruction when the patient states which of the following?
- A. Signing this statement means that I will not commit suicide.
- B. I am agreeing to get emergency treatment if I have suicidal thoughts.
- C. I will be open and honest about my feelings about treatment.
- D. I am agreeing to participate in the necessary treatment for my condition
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A commitment to treatment statement is a collaborative agreement to engage in treatment and seek help, not a promise not to commit suicide (A), which is unrealistic and oversimplifies the patient?s responsibility. Options B, C, and D accurately reflect components of such a statement.
A patient comes??5comes to the clinic for an evaluation of headache, fatigue, and an overall feeling of being down. When assessing the patient, which statement by the patient would alert the nurse to suspect possible suicide? Select all that apply.
- A. I?ve been drinking about three or four more beers every night.
- B. I?ve been going out with my friends about once or twice a week.
- C. I?m so tired that all I ever want to do is sleep all the time.
- D. Most times, I feel like I?m trapped with no way out.
- E. I?m looking for a new job because my job is so stressful.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Statements indicating excessive sleepiness (C) and feeling trapped with no way out (D) are red flags for suicide risk, as they suggest severe depression and hopelessness, respectively. Increased alcohol use (A) is a risk factor but less specific without direct suicidal content. Socializing (B) and job stress (E) are not direct indicators of suicidal ideation.