A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

"You shouldn't feel that way. There are many people who care about you.".

"I understand how you feel. Grief can be overwhelming.".

"You need to stay strong for your children.".

"Try not to think about it too much. Time heals all wounds.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client that they shouldn't feel a certain way and suggesting that others care about them minimizes their emotions and can be invalidating. It's essential to acknowledge the client's feelings without dismissing them.

Choice B rationale:

Expressing understanding and acknowledging the overwhelming nature of grief is appropriate and empathetic. This response validates the client's emotions and creates a safe space for them to express their feelings.

Choice C rationale:

While the intention behind encouraging the client to stay strong for their children might be positive, it oversimplifies the complexity of grief and emotional responses. Grief is a personal experience, and implying that they should suppress their emotions for the sake of others is not ideal.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting that the client avoid thinking about their loss or that time will heal their wounds can invalidate their current emotional state. Grief doesn't always follow a linear path, and minimizing the impact of the loss can hinder the client's healing process.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the client alone to give them space is not a suitable intervention for someone with a history of suicide attempts and depression. Isolation can increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts, and the client needs close monitoring and support during this vulnerable time.

Choice B rationale:

Removing any potential means of self-harm from the client's environment is essential. This intervention helps reduce the immediate risk by limiting access to harmful items. It's a crucial step in creating a safer environment for the client and preventing impulsive acts of self-harm.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to confront their feelings of hopelessness is important, but it should be done in a supportive and therapeutic manner. Simply telling someone to confront their feelings without appropriate guidance can be overwhelming and unproductive.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that they should be grateful for what they have minimizes their emotional experience and does not address the complexity of depression and suicidal ideation. This statement lacks empathy and understanding of the client's struggles.

A. Active listening. B. Empowerment. C. Validation. D. Open-ended questions.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Active listening. Active listening is an important communication skill that involves attentively hearing and interpreting what the patient is saying. However, it doesn't specifically address the aspect of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing.

Choice B rationale:

Empowerment. Empowerment refers to the process of enabling and supporting patients to take control of their own health and make informed decisions. While this is an essential aspect of patient care, it doesn't directly address the skill of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts without expressing agreement or disagreement.

Choice C rationale:

Validation. Validation involves recognizing and accepting the patient's feelings and thoughts as valid, even if you don't share the same perspective. It shows empathy and understanding without passing judgment. In the context of a patient with suicidal ideation, validation is crucial as it helps build trust and rapport, creating an environment where the patient feels heard and supported.

Choice D rationale:

Open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are inquiries that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and encourage patients to provide more detailed responses. While they are valuable for eliciting information, they don't specifically address the act of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without taking a stance.

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A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client has been diagnosed with depression and has a history of suicide attempts. What intervention is essential for the nurse to implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is conducting an assessment for a patient with suicidal ideation. Which skill involves acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing with them?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a patient with suicidal ideation. Which of the following is a priority principle to consider in the planning phase for this patient's care?

A nurse is providing education to a client and their family about suicide prevention. Which information should the nurse prioritize in the education?

A nurse is providing care to a client with suicidal ideation. Select all the interventions that the nurse should include in the implementation phase of the client's care.

(Select All That Apply): A client has expressed thoughts of suicide during a therapy session. Which therapeutic interventions should the nurse incorporate into the client's care plan? (Select three.).

A client with a history of suicide attempts is admitted to the hospital. Which statement by the client should the nurse address during the assessment phase?

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of the plan of care for a patient with suicidal ideation. What action should the nurse take during the evaluation phase?

A nurse is providing care to a client who is displaying warning signs of suicidal ideation. Which interventions should the nurse prioritize to ensure the client's safety? (Select all that apply.).

A client is diagnosed with "Impaired coping." Which statement accurately describes this nursing diagnosis for a patient with suicidal ideation?