A client who has major depressive disorder states to the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?
"Are you thinking of harming yourself?"
"Do you really think your family would be better off without you?"
"When did you first start feeling this way?"
"Tell me what is happening right now."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?": Correct
This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client's statement about being better off gone, which raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. Asking this question allows the nurse to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.
B. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?": Incorrect
While this response attempts to engage the client in a conversation, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. It's important to prioritize assessing the client's safety before exploring their feelings about their family's perspective.
C. "When did you first start feeling this way?": Incorrect
While understanding the client's history and the onset of their feelings is important, it's not the priority response in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of harm takes precedence over gathering historical information.
D. "Tell me what is happening right now.": Incorrect
This response doesn't directly address the client's statement about being better off gone and doesn't assess the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide. While understanding the client's current situation is valuable, safety concerns should be addressed first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "We can call your family in time for them to get here."
While involving the family is important, this response assumes that the client's concern is solely about family being present. The client's statement might have deeper emotional layers, such as fear or regret, that should be addressed.
B. "Tell your family of your concern so that they can be here."
This response puts the responsibility on the client to communicate their concerns to the family. The nurse's role is to provide support and facilitate communication, rather than placing the burden on the client.
C. "I will make sure a staff member is in your room at all times."
While ensuring the client is not alone is important, this response doesn't address the client's emotional concerns or open a dialogue about their feelings. Simply having a staff member present might not address the underlying fear or anxiety the client is experiencing.
D. "I wonder if you are fearful of dying alone."
Explanation: The nurse's response empathizes with the client's feelings and invites a conversation about their emotions. It acknowledges the client's concerns and opens the door for a more in-depth discussion about their fears and feelings regarding dying alone. This approach is patient-centered and encourages the client to express their emotions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Maturational crisis:
This type of crisis arises from normal life transitions, such as entering a new stage of development (adolescence, midlife crisis, etc.). It involves a struggle to adapt to new roles and responsibilities. The client's situation does involve a life transition due to the death of his wife, but the sudden nature of the event and the resulting distress suggest a situational crisis.
B) Adventitious crisis:
Adventitious crises are caused by extraordinary events that are external to the individual's usual experience, such as natural disasters, accidents, or crimes. While the sudden death of the client's wife is an unexpected and tragic event, it's not an adventitious crisis because it involves personal loss rather than a large-scale or external event.
C) Developmental crisis:
Developmental crises are associated with specific stages of life and the challenges and changes that come with them. This crisis doesn't seem to fit the developmental category as it is more tied to the specific event of the wife's sudden death.
D) Situational crisis
Explanation:
A situational crisis is a type of crisis that arises from a specific event or situation that disrupts an individual's normal functioning and coping abilities. In this case, the sudden death of the client's wife is the triggering event that has led to his feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed in his ability to cope with work and family responsibilities. Situational crises are often unexpected and can lead to a temporary state of disorganization and distress.
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