A patient is admitted into the ICU with the diagnosis of gunshot wound to the head, suicide attempt. While the patient is in the ICU the nurse's interventions should include

Question

a. limiting interaction with the patient due to antisocial behaviors exhibited by the suicidal attempt.
b. ignoring the patient's need to talk about the incident.
c. validating the patient's worth and self-esteem.
d. discontinuing any psychotropic medications.

Answer 1

C
While the patient is in the unit, primary nursing interventions include validating the patient's worth and self-esteem and helping him or her regulate emotional states and behaviors. Patients who have attempted suicide are often stigmatized, and caregivers can resent caring for a person whose critical condition is self-inflicted. A suicide attempt indicates, however, that the patient was experiencing personal and spiritual distress to the point of wanting to end his or her life. The critical care team should make every effort to continue medications for mental health conditions during the critical care stay unless medically contraindicated. If the patient is unable to take oral medications, the team should attempt to find an alternative route if possible.