A client with a history of substance use disorder and recent job loss is exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate in this situation?

Advise the client to keep their feelings to themselves.

Encourage the client to isolate themselves until they feel better.

Ask the client directly if they are thinking about harming themselves.

Provide the client with alcohol or drugs to help them cope.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Advising the client to keep their feelings to themselves is not an appropriate intervention in this situation. Suicidal ideation is a serious concern, and keeping feelings hidden could potentially lead to the client not receiving the necessary support and intervention they need to stay safe.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to isolate themselves until they feel better is not an appropriate intervention either. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Connecting with the client and providing a supportive environment is crucial.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client directly if they are thinking about harming themselves is the most appropriate intervention. This approach helps the nurse assess the severity of the situation, open a dialogue about the client's feelings, and determine the level of risk. Direct communication allows for a better understanding of the client's mental state and the need for further intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with alcohol or drugs to help them cope is a dangerous and inappropriate intervention. Substance use can further impair judgment and increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. This action also fails to address the underlying issues contributing to the client's distress.

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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.

A. Using closed-ended questions. B. Encouraging active patient involvement. C. Imposing personal opinions. D. Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts. E. Disregarding the patient's preferences.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Choice B:

Encouraging active patient involvement.

Choice D:

Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts.

Choice A rationale:

Closed-ended questions often limit conversation and do not encourage deeper exploration of feelings or thoughts. In a therapeutic relationship with a patient at risk for suicide, the focus should be on open communication and building trust, which is not achieved through the use of closed-ended questions. Therefore, this choice is not suitable for building rapport and trust.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging active patient involvement is crucial for establishing a therapeutic relationship. It empowers the patient to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings openly. This choice promotes a sense of collaboration and trust between the nurse and the patient, creating a safe space for discussing sensitive topics like suicidal thoughts.

Choice C rationale:

Imposing personal opinions can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Patients should feel that their thoughts and feelings are respected and valued. Imposing personal opinions could alienate the patient and undermine the trust-building process.

Choice D rationale:

Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts involves active listening and showing empathy. This technique validates the patient's emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and trust. Reflecting feelings and thoughts demonstrates that the nurse is genuinely engaged and interested in the patient's perspective.

Choice E rationale:

Disregarding the patient's preferences goes against the principles of patient-centered care and building a therapeutic relationship. The patient's preferences and needs should be acknowledged and respected to establish trust and rapport. Disregarding preferences can lead to feelings of invalidation and hinder the development of a meaningful connection.

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A client with a history of substance use disorder and recent job loss is exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate in this situation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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 establishing a therapeutic relationship with a patient at risk for suicide. Which of the following skills should the nurse use to build rapport and trust with the patient? (Select all that apply):

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

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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?