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A nurse is performing an assessment of a patient with suicidal ideation. Which question would the nurse most likely ask to determine the degree of planning?
- A. How seriously do you want to die?
- B. Have you attempted suicide before?
- C. Could you stop yourself from killing yourself?
- D. How much do the thoughts distress you?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking if the patient could stop themselves from killing themselves (C) directly assesses the degree of control and planning, indicating the specificity of their suicidal intent. Other options (A, B, D) provide related information but do not specifically address the plan?s feasibility.
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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 family member of an adolescent who has expressed a desire to commit suicide asks the nurse, What might predict the possibility of future suicide attempts? Which of the following would the nurse include in the response?
- A. Unemployment
- B. Death of a spouse
- C. Previous suicide attempt
- D. Polydrug use
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A previous suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts, as it indicates a history of engaging in life-threatening behavior and suggests persistent suicidal ideation or unresolved risk factors. While unemployment (A), death of a spouse (B), and polydrug use (D) are risk factors, they are less specific predictors compared to a documented prior attempt.
The nurse is providing a presentation for a group of health professionals about suicide. Which of the following would the nurse address as a major contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men?
- A. Substance abuse
- B. Media influences
- C. Lack of conflict resolution skills
- D. Parenting practices
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Substance abuse (A) is a major contributing factor to the rising suicide rate among men, as it exacerbates mental health issues, impairs judgment, and increases impulsivity, all of which heighten suicide risk. Media influences (B), lack of conflict resolution skills (C), and parenting practices (D) may contribute indirectly but are less significant compared to substance abuse.
The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old white man whose wife has recently died. The patient has been diagnosed with clinical depression and is demonstrating insufficient coping skills. Which action by the nurse would be most important?
- A. Refer the patient for long-term psychotherapy.
- B. Determine the patient?s risk of psychosis.
- C. Determine if anyone in the patient?s family has had depression.
- D. Ask the patient if he is thinking about killing himself.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Given the recent loss and diagnosis of clinical depression, assessing for suicidal ideation (D) is the most critical action to ensure patient safety, as loss and depression are significant suicide risk factors. Psychotherapy referral (A) is important but not immediate. Assessing for psychosis (B) or family history (C) is relevant but secondary to suicide risk assessment.
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.