A school nurse is speaking to the mother of a 16-year-old male adolescent. The mother has concerns about her son. Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
- A. "His favorite teacher committed suicide a few weeks ago."
- B. "He has slept 9 hours each night for the past 2 years."
- C. "He is very religious and attends services twice a week."
- D. "He spends much of his time with his two school friends."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The statement "His favorite teacher committed suicide a few weeks ago" indicates exposure to suicide, which is a risk factor for suicidal behavior. This experience can trigger feelings of hopelessness and increase the risk of suicide in adolescents. The mother's concern in this context is valid and should be taken seriously.
Summary:
B: Sleeping 9 hours each night for the past 2 years is not a direct indicator of suicide risk. While changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of depression, it is not as specific as exposure to suicide.
C: Being religious and attending services twice a week is not necessarily an indicator of suicide risk. Religious beliefs can provide comfort and support.
D: Spending time with friends is generally a positive sign of social connectedness, which can be protective against suicide.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client who has bipolar disorder approaches the nurse and reveals fresh, self-inflicted, superficial cuts going up and down his right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Implement the client's behavioral modification plan.
- B. Document the size and location of the cuts.
- C. Assess the client's intent and suicide risk.
- D. Administer a tetanus antitoxin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Assess the client's intent and suicide risk. This is the first action the nurse should take to ensure the immediate safety of the client. By assessing the client's intent and suicide risk, the nurse can determine the severity of the situation and the appropriate level of intervention needed. This assessment will guide the nurse in developing a safety plan to prevent further self-harm or potential suicide attempts.
Choice A is incorrect because implementing the client's behavioral modification plan is not the priority when the client is actively engaging in self-harm behavior.
Choice B is incorrect as documenting the size and location of the cuts can be done after ensuring the client's immediate safety.
Choice D is incorrect as administering a tetanus antitoxin is not the priority in this situation and does not address the client's emotional and psychological needs.
In summary, assessing the client's intent and suicide risk is the most critical step to ensure the client's safety and well-being in a situation involving self-h
A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. The client says, "My mother died in the hospital, but I did not get there before she died." Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
- A. "We will call your family in time for them to get here."
- B. "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone."
- C. "I will make sure a staff member is in your room at all times."
- D. "I will tell your family of your concern so that they can be here."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone." This response shows empathy and addresses the client's emotional needs. It acknowledges the client's fear and opens up a conversation about their concerns. It allows the client to express their feelings and provides an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
Choice A is incorrect because it only focuses on calling the family and does not address the client's emotional state. Choice C is incorrect as it only ensures physical presence but does not address the client's emotional needs. Choice D is incorrect as it shifts the responsibility to the family without acknowledging the client's feelings.
A nurse is caring for a client who is extremely suspicious of the nursing staff and other clients. Which of the following nursing approaches is appropriate when establishing a therapeutic relationship with this client?
- A. Disclose some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability.
- B. Wait for the client to initiate interaction.
- C. Approach the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions.
- D. Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adopt a neutral attitude when providing care. This approach is appropriate because it helps to build trust with a suspicious client by not evoking any feelings of threat or manipulation. By maintaining a neutral attitude, the nurse can establish a safe and non-threatening environment for the client to gradually open up and develop a therapeutic relationship.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Disclosing personal information may blur professional boundaries and make the client more suspicious.
B: Waiting for the client to initiate interaction may prolong the time it takes to establish a connection.
C: Approaching the client frequently may overwhelm the client and reinforce their suspicions.
E, F, G: These options are not provided in the question, so they cannot be evaluated.
A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is sitting with a client who has schizophrenia. The client whispers to the nurse, “I'm being kept in this prison against my will. Please try to get me out.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "Why do you feel that you need to leave?"
- B. "You feel that you don't belong here?"
- C. "We are here to help you and give you the care that you need right now."
- D. "Try to take some deep breaths and I'm sure you'll feel better."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "We are here to help you and give you the care that you need right now." This response acknowledges the client's feelings, reassures them of support, and validates their experience without dismissing their concerns. It promotes a therapeutic relationship and trust-building.
Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the client's immediate distress. Choice B is also incorrect as it may come across as invalidating the client's feelings. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a quick fix without addressing the client's underlying concerns.
A nurse in a drug and alcohol detoxification center is planning care for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. Helping the client identify positive personality traits
- B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest
- C. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms
- D. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing for adequate hydration and rest. The priority in caring for a client with alcohol use disorder is addressing physical needs like hydration and rest to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Hydration helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while rest supports the body's healing process. Choices A, C, and D focus on psychological aspects, which are important but secondary to addressing immediate physical needs. Helping the client identify positive traits can come later in therapy, confronting denial and defense mechanisms can be addressed once the client is stabilized, and educating about consequences is important but not as urgent as ensuring hydration and rest.