The mental health corrections nurse assesses a new prisoner who is beginning his incarceration for committing a sex crime
The prisoner speaks in a low voice, is tearful, and tells the nurse that his life may as well be over, because there is no hope that he will ever be able to fit into society after he is released from prison. He states his family has disowned him and wherever he goes, his reputation will follow him. The priority response would be to: a. advise the guards to place him in solitary confinement.
b. offer to contact his family and his judge to convey his remorse.
c. meet with him weekly to discuss feelings and how he might cope.
d. warn the guards of his risk to self, and implement suicide precautions.
D
The inmate is experiencing significant shame and self-loathing, is facing many significant losses (freedom, status in the community, perhaps his career), is separated from his support system, and evidences hopelessness. These all suggest a significant risk of suicide, and suicide attempts are often made in prison. The priority response would be to warn the guards of the inmate's risk to self and implement suicide precautions. Safety is the primary issue; none of the other options is appropriate relative to suicide prevention.
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