The husband of a client with terminal cancer has expressed a high degree of stress over his role as caregiver. When asked whether he has suicidal or homicidal thoughts he answered, "Sometimes."
Which of the following nursing statements is most therapeutic initially?
1. "What is the hardest part about your wife's impending death?"
2. "Can you describe your plan for killing yourself and your wife?"
3. "What can I do to help make caring for your wife less stressful?"
4. "Can you tell me how caring for your wife has affected you personally?"
ANS: 2
If a client indicates suicidal or homicidal ideations, the nurse should first determine in a caring and concerned manner if the person has a plan and determine how lethal the means are. The re-maining options represent appropriate questions but only after the safety issues have been ad-dressed.
You might also like to view...
An adolescent has Cushing's syndrome due to long-term use of steroid therapy for another illness. When writing this child's care plan, which nursing diagnosis takes priority?
A. Activity intolerance B. Altered body image C. Fluid volume deficit D. Impaired skin integrity
In the event that a seizure occurs, the nurse positions the client on his or her __________ and loosens restrictive clothing
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
In what way have advanced practice nurses most contributed to the development of theories and models in nursing?
a. Using their advanced education to develop new, more realistic theories b. Challenging theorists to publish their theories in language everyone can under-stand c. Requiring theorists to modify their theo-ries to meet the needs of independent practice d. Testing theories in actual nursing practice situations
Which is an example of a bioterrorism and emergency readiness competency for a public health worker?
a. Recognition of unusual events that might indicate an emergency b. Involvement in the chain of command c. Using a set of preplanned activities for every disaster d. Leaving communication to the authorities