A 44-year-old man has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit for the treatment of major depression
When the nurse asks the man about plans for suicide, the man pauses and then states, "I can't say that I can rule it out for sure." What actions should the nurse take to reduce the client's risk of attempting suicide? Select all that apply.
A) Assign another patient to act as a mentor and confidante to the patient.
B) Remove all potentially dangerous objects for the patient's environment.
C) Begin frequent or continuous one-on-one assessment and observation.
D) Place the patient in physical restraints until a more thorough assessment can be performed.
E) Attempt to cultivate a therapeutic relationship with the patient.
Ans: B, C, E
Feedback:
Appropriate responses to an individual's demonstrable risk for suicide include close observation and removal of dangerous objects in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Assigning responsibility for a patient's safety to another patient is always inappropriate. Physical restraints are not warranted.
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