An adolescent hospitalized after a suicide attempt is due to be discharged after a weeklong stay in the psychiatric unit. The nurse assessing this adolescent notices that the child has a dramatic lifting of the depression and seems cheerful

Question

The nurse's best course of action is to do which of the following? a. Talk with the parents about the positive change in mood.
b. Call the psychiatrist immediately to notify her of the mood change, and ask that the psychiatrist assess this adolescent prior to discharge.
c. Wait until the parents come, do discharge teaching, and release the adolescent to go home.
d. Watch the adolescent closely to see if this is a sign that the depression is truly resolved or if the adolescent is going into mania.

Answer 1

B

Feedback
A Incorrect: This is not the best course of action because the adolescent's symptoms indicate a decision to commit suicide.
B Correct: This is the best course of action. A sudden change in affect for the better or a dramatic lifting of depression may be an indication that the adolescent has resolved the ambivalence about living or dying and has made the decision to commit suicide.
C Incorrect: This is not appropriate because this adolescent should be evaluated by the psychiatrist immediately and not released to go home until this has occurred. If the individual is not at high risk, she or he should be followed up closely.
D Incorrect: This is an incorrect action because the symptoms indicate a resolution to commit suicide and not movement into mania.