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After teaching a class about factors that enhance the risk of suicide, the instructor determines the need for additional teaching when the class identifies which of the following?
- A. Family member committing suicide
- B. Cautiousness
- C. Delusions
- D. Loss
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cautiousness (B) is not a recognized risk factor for suicide; it may even be protective by reducing impulsivity. Family history of suicide (A), delusions (C), and loss (D) are established risk factors, as they contribute to genetic predisposition, altered thinking, and emotional distress, respectively.
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A patient who has attempted suicide has an underlying diagnosis of depression. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being ordered for the patient?
- A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- B. Mood stabilizer
- C. Tricyclic antidepressant
- D. Atypical antipsychotic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (A) are first-line treatments for depression due to their efficacy and favorable side-effect profile. Mood stabilizers (B) are used for bipolar disorder, tricyclic antidepressants (C) are less commonly used due to side effects, and atypical antipsychotics (D) are not primary treatments for 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.
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has attempted suicide. Which of the following would the nurse identify as relating to a psychological cause?
- A. History of childhood trauma
- B. Cluster B personality disorder
- C. Social isolation
- D. Suicide contagion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cluster B personality disorder (B), such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder, is a psychological cause of suicide risk due to emotional instability and impulsivity. Childhood trauma (A) is a historical or environmental factor, social isolation (C) is a social factor, and suicide contagion (D) is an external influence, not a psychological cause.
The nurse is reviewing the medical records of several patients diagnosed with major depression. The nurse identifies which patient as least likely to commit suicide?
- A. Divorced man
- B. Widowed woman
- C. Single woman
- D. Married man
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social support, particularly from a stable marital relationship, is a protective factor against suicide. A married man (D) is likely to have more social and emotional support, reducing suicide risk compared to those who are divorced (A), widowed (B), or single (C), who may experience greater isolation or loss, increasing vulnerability to suicidal behavior in the context of major depression.
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.