Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for the nurse to implement on a patient admitted to the emergency department for depression?
A) Note that symptoms of physical illness are not relevant.
B) Ask the patient, "Have you ever thought about taking your own life?"
C) Conduct interviews in a brief manner.
D) Encourage the patient to spend time alone reviewing his or her feelings.
Ans: B
Feedback: Establishing if the patient has suicidal thoughts or intents helps identify the level of depression and intervention necessary. Physical symptoms are relevant and should be explored. Allow the patient to express feelings, and conduct the interview at a comfortable pace for the patient. Never leave the patient alone because suicide is usually committed in solitude.
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