A nurse is assessing a psychiatric–mental health client who has presented with altered thought processes
The client's medical record notes a history of suicide attempts. When assessing the client's current suicide risk, what principle should guide the nurse's line of questioning?
A) The nurse should use clinical judgment when deciding to ask about suicide due to the risk of presenting it as a plausible option.
B) The nurse should address the issue of suicide indirectly, using open-ended questions.
C) The nurse should ask about the client's current thoughts around suicide in a direct manner.
D) The nurse should ask the client to describe how he felt prior to his earlier suicide attempts.
Ans: C
Feedback:
Many myths about suicide and suicidal behavior contribute to apprehension when approaching this topic with clients. One is the fear of "planting" the idea of suicide in a client's mind simply by discussing it. In fact, it is critical for nurses to ask direct questions to protect the safety of clients. Use of closed-ended questions is particularly beneficial during this inquiry because they require specific responses.
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