A client presents to the medical surgical unit.

Which of the following findings requires further action by the nurse? Select all that apply.

A) Can you tell me about the stresses in your life?: While identifying stressors is important in understanding the context of the client’s feelings, the priority in the context of suicidal ideation is to assess the immediacy of danger to the client. Understanding the plan and means for suicide is the first step in evaluating the severity of the situation.

B) "Do you have a plan for harming yourself?": This is the priority question because it directly assesses the immediacy and seriousness of the client’s suicidal ideations. Knowing whether the client has a specific plan allows the nurse to determine the level of risk and take appropriate action, such as ensuring the client is safe and arranging for immediate intervention, including hospitalization if necessary.

C) Do you have someone to discuss your feelings with?: While social support is important, this question does not immediately address the severity of the suicidal ideation. If the client is at high risk, the nurse must first assess the immediate danger posed by the suicidal thoughts and actions before discussing coping strategies or support systems.

D) Has anyone in your family ever died by suicide?: Although a family history of suicide can increase risk, this question is secondary to directly assessing the client's current risk. The focus should first be on evaluating the client’s immediate safety, such as whether they have a plan and the means to harm themselves.

A) A recent move to a new city: A move to a new city is an example of an external stressor. External stressors are environmental or situational factors that create stress, such as life changes, events, or challenges in the outside world. Relocating can involve significant adjustments, such as adapting to a new community, finding housing, and establishing new social connections, all of which can cause stress.

B) Lack of nutritional knowledge: Lack of nutritional knowledge is an internal stressor, as it involves an individual's beliefs, attitudes, and understanding. While it can cause stress, it is a personal factor rather than an external, environmental one.

C) Report of feeling depressed: Feelings of depression are an internal stressor because they are related to an individual’s emotional state or mental health. This reflects the client's internal experience rather than an external environmental factor.

D) Recurring urinary tract infections: Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a health-related concern and can be seen as a physiological stressor. However, they are not strictly external; they are related to the individual’s health and body rather than external environmental circumstances.