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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.
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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.
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.
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.
A nurse is with an adolescent who tells the nurse that she has nothing to live for and she just wishes she was dead. Which nursing action would be the priority?
- A. Going to the patient?s psychiatrist to tell him of the girl?s suicidal ideation
- B. Staying with the patient to explore more of her thoughts about suicide
- C. Putting the patient in seclusion with a staff assigned to watch her at all times
- D. Ascertaining the client?s beliefs about what happens when you die
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority is to ensure the patient?s safety by staying with her and exploring her suicidal thoughts (B), which allows for immediate risk assessment and therapeutic engagement. Notifying the psychiatrist (A) is important but secondary to direct patient contact. Seclusion (C) is inappropriate unless the patient poses an immediate danger, and exploring beliefs about death (D) is less urgent than assessing current risk.
A nurse is presenting a discussion for a local community group about suicide. Which comment from an audience member indicates the need to clarify the information?
- A. Warning signs about the person?s intention often occur.
- B. People who are suicidal are undecided about living or dying.
- C. Suicides more often occur during the holiday seasons.
- D. People who talk about suicide need to be taken seriously.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The comment that suicides more often occur during the holiday seasons (C) is a common myth. Research shows no consistent increase in suicides during holidays; risk is more tied to individual factors. The other comments (A, B, D) are accurate: warning signs are common, suicidal individuals are often ambivalent, and suicide talk must be taken seriously.