MENTALsuicide Flashcards
A nurse discovers a clients suicide note that details the time, place, and means to commit suicide. What should be the priority nursing intervention and the rationale for this action?
A. Administering lorazepam (Ativan) prn, because the client is angry about the discovery of the note
B. Establishing room restrictions, because the clients threat is an attempt to manipulate the staff
C. Placing this client on one-to-one suicide precautions, because the more specific the plan, the more likely the client will attempt suicide
D. Calling an emergency treatment team meeting, because the clients threat must be addressed
C
During the planning of care for a suicidal client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurses first priority?
A. The client will not physically harm self.
B. The client will express hope for the future by day 3.
C. The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse.
D. The client will remain safe during the hospital stay.
D
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder with psychotic features hears voices commanding self- harm. The client refuses to commit to developing a plan for safety. What should be the nurses priority intervention at this time?
A. Obtaining an order for locked seclusion until client is no longer suicidal
B. Conducting 15-minute checks to ensure safety
C. Placing the client on one-to-one observation while monitoring suicidal ideations
D. Encouraging client to express feelings related to suicide
C
A client with a history of three suicide attempts has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1 month. The client suddenly presents with a bright affect, rates mood at 9/10, and is much more communicative. Which action should be the nurses priority at this time?
A. Give the client off-unit privileges as positive reinforcement.
B. Encourage the client to share mood improvement in group.
C. Increase frequency of client observation.
D. Request that the psychiatrist reevaluate the current medication protocol.
C
A nurse recently admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. A health-care provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil) for the client. Which intervention related to this medication should be initiated to maintain this clients safety upon discharge?
A. Provide a 6-month supply of Elavil to ensure long-term compliance.
B. Provide a 1-week supply of Elavil with refills contingent on follow-up appointments.
C. Provide a pill dispenser as a memory aid.
D. Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine.
B
During a one-to-one session with a client, the client states, Nothing will ever get better, and Nobody can help me. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a nurse to assign to this client at this time?
A. Powerlessness R/T altered mood AEB client statements
B. Risk for injury R/T altered mood AEB client statements
C. Risk for suicide R/T altered mood AEB client statements
D. Hopelessness R/T altered mood AEB client statements
D
The treatment team is making a discharge decision regarding a previously suicidal client. Which client assessment information should a nurse recognize as contributing to the teams decision?
A. No previous admissions for major depressive disorder
B. Vital signs stable; no psychosis noted
C. Able to comply with medication regimen; able to problem-solve life issues
D. Able to participate in a plan for safety; family agrees to constant observation
D
The family of a suicidal client is very supportive and requests more facts related to caring for their family member after discharge. Which information should the nurse provide?
A. Address only serious suicide threats to avoid the possibility of secondary gain.
B. Promote trust by verbalizing a promise to keep suicide attempt information within the family.
C. Offer a private environment to provide needed time alone at least once a day.
D. Be available to actively listen, support, and accept feelings.
D
A stockbroker commits suicide after being convicted of insider trading. In speaking with the family, which statement by the nurse demonstrates accurate and appropriate sharing of information?
A. Your grieving will subside within 1 year; until then I recommend antidepressants.
B. Support groups are available specifically for survivors of suicide, and I would be glad to help you locate one in this area.
C. The only way to deal effectively with this kind of grief is to write a letter to the brokerage firm to express your anger with them.
D. Since stigmatization often occurs in these situations, it would be best if you avoid discussing the suicide with anyone.
B
After years of dialysis, an 84-year-old states, Im exhausted, depressed, and done with these attempts to keep me alive. Which question should the nurse ask the spouse when preparing a discharge plan of care?
A. Have there been any changes in appetite or sleep?
B. How often is your spouse left alone?
C. Has your spouse been following a diet and exercise program consistently?
D. How would you characterize your relationship with your spouse?
B
A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide in the elderly population. Which information should the instructor include?
A. Elderly people use less lethal means to commit suicide.
B. Although the elderly make up less than 13% of the population, they account for 16% of all suicides.
C. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly.
D. It is normal for elderly individuals to express a desire
B
A nurse is caring for a client who has threatened to commit suicide by hanging. The client states, Im going to use a knotted shower curtain when no one is around. Which information would determine the nurses plan of care for this client?
A. The more specific the plan is, the more likely the client will attempt suicide
.
B. Clients who talk about suicide never actually commit it.
C. Clients who threaten suicide should be observed every 15 minutes.
D. After a brief assessment, the nurse should avoid the topic of suicide
a
A suicidal client says to a nurse, Theres nothing to live for anymore. Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?
A. Why dont you consider doing volunteer work in a homeless shelter?
B. Lets discuss the negative aspects of your life.
C. Things will look better in the morning.
D. It sounds like you are feeling pretty hopeless.
d
A new nursing graduate asks the psychiatric nurse manager how to best classify suicide. Which is the nurse managers best reply?
A. Suicide is a DSM-5 diagnosis.
B. Suicide is a mental disorder.
C. Suicide is a behavior.
D. Suicide is an antisocial affliction.
C
A nursing student is developing a plan of care for a suicidal client. Which documented intervention should the student implement first?
A. Communicate therapeutically.
B. Observe the client.
C. Provide a hazard-free environment.
D. Assess suicide risk.
D
