During a health history, the nurse is concerned that a client with depression is at risk for suicide. Which assessment findings support this concern?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. States that "suicide is always an option"
2. Describes a previous unsuccessful attempt at suicide by aspirin overdose
3. States that the prescribed medication is not working and that feelings of depression are worse
4. Requests prescriptions for pain medication and a sleeping aid
5. Expresses interest in meeting with friends more often
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: If a person verbalizes about committing suicide, the talk must be taken seriously.
Rationale 2: A client who has had a previous suicide attempt is at higher risk for suicide and must be monitored carefully.
Rationale 3: Worsening symptoms of depression must be reported immediately because these may indicate that the drug is not working or that the client is not compliant with pharmacotherapy.
Rationale 4: All prescription drugs must be monitored because suicidal clients often take overdoses. Therapy with multiple central nervous system depressants is discouraged because these agents produce additive sedation.
Rationale 5: This information would not indicate a worsening of depression or the risk for suicide.
Global Rationale: If a person verbalizes about committing suicide, the talk must be taken seriously. A client who has had a previous suicide attempt is at higher risk for suicide and must be monitored carefully. Worsening symptoms of depression must be reported immediately because these may indicate that the drug is not working or that the client is not compliant with pharmacotherapy. All prescription drugs must be monitored because suicidal clients often take overdoses. Therapy with multiple central nervous system depressants is discouraged because these agents produce additive sedation. Expressing interest in meeting with friends more often would not indicate a worsening of depression or the risk for suicide.
You might also like to view...
An experienced nurse explains to a nursing student that validating, organizing, and categorizing data are critical thinking processes most correlated with the nursing process step of
a. analysis. b. assessment. c. implementation. d. planning.
The nurse on a mental health unit administers a medication to a female client for the purpose of reducing her psychotic symptoms and quieting her behavior. This medication is considered a __________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
A nurse appointed to the state board of nursing would expect work focused on which basic purpose of that body?
1. Establishing a means of protecting the public at large 2. Ensuring that all schools of nursing seek national accreditation 3. Ensuring that all practicing nurses are competent 4. Restricting nursing practice through regulations
The nurse is teaching the family of a client a process that parallels the nursing process to use to make decisions for their loved one. What would be the second step in this process?
A) Realize the ambiguity of the situation that the adult is now like a child. B) Restate and clarify the family's perceptions and feelings. C) Verify the family's feelings and perceptions to be sure they understand the situation. D) Assist the family to create solutions for the problems presented.