A 30-year-old female patient is describing feelings of hopelessness and depression. She has attempted self-mutilation and has a history of suicide attempts. She describes difficulty sleeping at night and has lost 10 pounds in the past month
Which of these statements or questions is the nurse's best response in this situation?
a.
"Do you have a weapon?"
b.
"How do other people treat you?"
c.
"Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?"
d.
"People often feel hopeless, but the feelings resolve within a few weeks."
ANS: C
When the person expresses feelings of hopelessness, despair, or grief, assessing the risk of physical harm to him or herself is important. This process begins with more general questions. If the answers are affirmative, then the assessment continues with more specific questions.
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