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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Being extroverted is not a common risk factor associated with suicide and suicidal ideation. Extroverted individuals typically have strong social interactions and connections, which are often considered protective factors against suicide.
Choice B rationale:
Having strong family support is not a common risk factor for suicide. In fact, strong family support is generally considered a protective factor that can mitigate the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Close familial relationships can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
Choice C rationale:
Experiencing chronic physical illness is a common risk factor for suicide. Chronic physical illness can lead to prolonged suffering, decreased quality of life, and feelings of hopelessness, which are all associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation.
Choice D rationale:
Having a history of positive life events is not a common risk factor for suicide. Positive life events are more likely to act as protective factors against suicide, as they contribute to an individual's overall well-being and resilience.
Choice E rationale:
Suffering from a substance use disorder is a common risk factor for suicide. Substance abuse can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, exacerbate emotional distress, and weaken the individual's ability to cope effectively, all of which contribute to an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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