An adolescent who is in a mental health treatment center reveals a suicidal plan to a peer. When questioned about this by the nurse, the adolescent says, "I was just kidding." The BEST response by the nurse is which of the following responses?
a. "Your treatment team takes remarks about committing suicide very seriously, so there are logical consequences that are for your protection."
b. "You will be excused for making this remark this time, but next time, you may be taken seriously."
c. "No problem, as we all make remarks that we don't mean. However, you need to learn to think before you talk."
d. "Let's check with your peer group to see if they think you are serious and should be put on suicidal observation."
A
The nurse's response that the treatment team takes remarks about committing suicide very seriously is the most appropriate response to the adolescent. Nurses who work with adolescents must be comfortable in talking with them about the possibility of suicide and in responding seriously to any indications that the adolescent might give. It is a mistake to reassure the individual that everything will turn out all right.
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