The nurse is caring for a patient who has expressed a desire to commit suicide. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
1. "Your problems will get better. Hurting yourself is not the answer."
2. "Your family and friends will be very upset at you if you hurt yourself."
3. "I am shocked that you would consider hurting yourself. You have so much to live for."
4. "I am here for you. I know you want to hurt yourself, but there are things we can do to help you."
Answer: 4
Explanation: For a patient who is expressing thoughts of suicide, it is important for the nurse to offer self and instill hope. The statement, "I am here for you. I know you want to hurt yourself, but there are things we can do to help you," best demonstrates offering self and instilling hope. The nurse should not provide false reassurance by stating, "Your problems will get better. Hurting yourself is not the answer." The nurse is acting in a judgmental way when stating, "Your family and friends will be very upset at you if you hurt yourself," or "I am shocked that you would consider hurting yourself. You have so much to live for." These statements are not therapeutic and not beneficial to a patient who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
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