A victim of a violent rape perpetrated by a stranger has been in the emergency department for 3
hours. The collection of evidence is completed and the sexual assault nurse examiner reenters the
room to begin discharge counseling.
The client says softly "I will never be the same again. I will
never be able to face my friends. There is no sense of trying to go on.". The most astute response by
the nurse would be
a. "Are you thinking of committing suicide?"
b. "It will take time, but you will feel the same.".
c. "Your friends will understand when you tell them.".
d. "You will be able to find meaning in this experience as time goes on.".
A
The client's words suggest hopelessness. Whenever hopelessness is present, so is suicide risk. The
nurse should directly address the possibility of suicidal ideation with the client. The other options
attempt to offer reassurance before making an assessment.
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