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. Suicidal ideation is a diagnosis in itself. B. Suicidal ideation is more common in older adults. C. Suicidal ideation always involves a detailed plan for self-harm. D. Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of various underlying mental health conditions.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice D rationale:

Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of various underlying mental health conditions. It is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a manifestation of an individual's thoughts about self-harm or suicide. Suicidal ideation can range from passive thoughts of death to active and detailed plans for self-harm. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize and assess suicidal ideation as it can indicate significant distress and potential risk.

Choice A rationale:

Suicidal ideation is not a diagnosis on its own. It is a symptom that indicates emotional or psychological distress. Diagnoses are typically related to specific mental health disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder) that may or may not involve suicidal ideation.

Choice B rationale:

Suicidal ideation is not solely more common in older adults. It can affect individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. While the prevalence and characteristics of suicidal ideation may vary across age groups, it is not accurate to state that it is more common in older adults.

Choice C rationale:

Suicidal ideation does not always involve a detailed plan for self-harm. Suicidal ideation exists on a continuum, ranging from vague thoughts of death to well-formed plans for suicide. Some individuals may experience fleeting thoughts of wanting to die without having a detailed plan, while others may have specific plans and intent.

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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 providing education to a group of healthcare professionals about suicide and suicidal ideation. Which of the following statements accurately describes suicidal ideation?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is conducting an assessment of a client who may be at risk for suicide. Which of the following are common risk factors associated with suicide and suicidal ideation? (Select All That Apply):

A nurse is caring for a client who recently attempted suicide and is now stabilized. What is a priority nursing goal for this client?

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

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 caring for a client who has expressed suicidal thoughts. Select all the interventions that the nurse should include in the implementation phase of the client's care.

A nurse is working with a client who has suicidal ideation. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote hope in the client?

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