The Emergency Department nurses were discussing a patient who seeks help almost every holiday by expressing suicidal ideation or making a suicide gesture
One of the nurses stated, "I don't think he is serious about hurting himself. Maybe we should not see him the next time he comes." Which response from the charge nurse is ac-curate in dealing with the patient who may be using suicidal behavior as a ploy to enter the hospital?
a. "He obviously needs the support he gets at the hospital."
b. "We should avoid showing any warmth the next time he comes in."
c. "Telling him we cannot see him may be the answer to stop this behavior."
d. "Each episode must be individually evaluated, and all options must be explored."
ANS: D
A patient who has a history of suicide gestures or attempts is at greater risk for using this be-havior style again. This is unsafe behavior that needs to be evaluated. It is true that the pa-tient is in need of support but that answer does not address the issue of the misconception expressed by the nurse's statement. The remaining options are unprofessional and totally lacking in therapeutic understanding of suicide.
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