A victim of a violent rape was treated in the emergency department. As discharge preparation begins, the victim says softly, "I will never be the same again. I can't face my friends. There is no reason to go on."
Select the nurse's most appropriate response.
a. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
b. "It will take time, but you will feel the same as before the attack."
c. "Your friends will understand when you explain it was not your fault."
d. "You will be able to find meaning from this experience as time goes on."
ANS: A
The patient's words suggest hopelessness. Whenever hopelessness is present, so is suicide risk. The nurse should directly address the possibility of suicidal ideation with the patient. The other options attempt to offer reassurance before making an assessment.
You might also like to view...
A strong and frequent cause of conflict for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is:
1. scarce resources. 2. family problems. 3. unclear roles. 4. competition among staff nurses.
The nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for osteoporosis. The nurse will include which of the following risk factors in the teaching? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct and no incorrect choices are selected
Select all that apply. 1. Menopause at an early age increases bone loss 2. A family history of osteoporosis 3. A lifetime of high calcium intake 4. Having an active lifestyle 5. A vitamin D deficiency
Which of the following nursing activities is an example of tertiary level caregiving?
1. Teaching a client how to irrigate a new colostomy 2. Providing a class on hygiene for an elementary school class 3. Informing a client that her infant can be immunized at the health department 4. Arranging for a hospice nurse to visit with the family of a client with lung cancer
Which of the following biological agent requires the use of an antitoxin if exposure occurs?
a. Anthrax b. Plague c. Botulism d. Typhoid