The nurse is speaking with a 14-year-old client who has attempted suicide by cutting his wrists in the past. How would the nurse implement a means-restriction approach to suicide prevention in this case?

Question

A) Teach the client to block out all thoughts of self-harm as soon as they arise
B) Encourage the client to seek out counseling
C) Suggest to the client's parents that they lock up all sharp knives in the house
D) Recommend to the client's parents that the client be under constant surveillance

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Community health nurses can promote "means restriction," especially in families where there is a member at risk for suicide. Families who own firearms should be encouraged to secure firearms using trigger locks and locking bullets in a separate location from the firearm. If a client informs the nurse that he or she is having thoughts of taking an overdose, then prescription or over-the-counter medications that may be fatal in overdose should be removed or secured in a safe location. Although families might presume that removing the instrumental means of harm is an ineffective gesture, the community health nurse must reassure the family that their actions are sending a strong, unambiguous message to the potential victim that people care about them and will take any necessary steps to ensure their safety. Means restriction does not involve blocking out thoughts of self-harm, counseling, or constant surveillance.