A client is hospitalized on a psychiatric unit secondary to a suicide attempt. He has been diagnosed with depression and is consistently depressed. When assessing the client, which of the following would alert the nurse that the client's suicidal risk has
A) He tells the nurse that he feels more depressed than ever.
B) He is lethargic, remaining isolated from other clients.
C) He says he feels better as he interacts more with other clients.
D) His energy level and degree of depression remain the same.
Ans: C
During the depths of depression, clients may not have the energy to complete a suicide. As clients begin to feel better and have increased energy, they may be at a greater risk for suicide. If a previously depressed client appears to become energized overnight, he or she may have made a decision to commit suicide and thus may be relieved that the decision is finally made. The nurse may misinterpret the mood improvement as a positive move toward recovery; however, this client may be very intent on suicide. These individuals should be carefully monitored to maintain their safety.
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