Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - The Nursing Process in Psychiatric?Mental Health Nursing Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - The Nursing Process in Psychiatric?Mental Health Nursing related questions and content

A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has admitted having suicidal ideations. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

  • A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
  • B. Chronic low self-esteem
  • C. Risk for suicide
  • D. Hopelessness
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Risk for suicide is the priority diagnosis when the patient has both suicidal ideation and a plan to carry out the suicidal intent. Imbalanced nutrition, hopelessness, and chronic low self-esteem may be applicable nursing diagnoses, but these problems do not affect patient safety as urgently as a suicide attempt.