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?

Choice A rationale:

The nursing diagnosis "Impaired coping" signifies that the client is experiencing difficulty in dealing with stressors and challenges. While it's true that impaired coping can contribute to various negative outcomes, the most critical concern when dealing with a client diagnosed with impaired coping and suicidal ideation is the risk of self-inflicted harm, which aligns with choice A. Clients with impaired coping and suicidal ideation are at a heightened risk for engaging in self-destructive behaviors, including attempts at self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. This choice is the most relevant and urgent, as it directly addresses the potential harm the client may cause to themselves due to their impaired coping skills.

Choice B rationale:

Although feelings of aloneness can contribute to psychological distress and could potentially be relevant to the client's situation, choice B does not directly address the immediate risk of self-inflicted injury associated with impaired coping and suicidal ideation. The focus in this case should be on the client's safety and preventing self-harm.

Choice C rationale:

This choice accurately describes one aspect of impaired coping but does not specifically address the increased risk of self-inflicted harm or the severity of the situation presented in the question. While impaired coping does involve the inability to use appropriate skills to manage stressors, the urgency of addressing the immediate risk of self-inflicted injury takes precedence in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Negative self-evaluation may contribute to impaired coping, but the question specifically relates to the client's risk for self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. While negative self-evaluation could be part of the client's overall presentation, it's not the most direct or urgent concern in this situation.

Choice A rationale:

Modifying the plan of care based on the patient's current status is a fundamental aspect of the evaluation phase. Patients' conditions can change, and the plan of care should be flexible enough to adapt to their evolving needs. By making necessary adjustments, the nurse ensures that the patient continues to receive appropriate and effective care.

Choice B rationale:

Comparing the patient's current status with baseline data only is insufficient for a comprehensive evaluation. Baseline data is useful for establishing a starting point, but it doesn't account for changes that may have occurred since then. Effective evaluation involves considering both baseline data and the patient's current condition.

Choice C rationale:

Disregarding the patient's feedback about their care is not appropriate during the evaluation phase. Patient feedback provides valuable insights into their experience, concerns, and whether the current plan of care is meeting their needs. Ignoring their feedback can lead to unaddressed issues and a lack of patient-centered care.

Choice D rationale:

Documenting outcomes without assessing the patient's response undermines the purpose of the evaluation phase. Evaluation involves not only documenting outcomes but also assessing how the patient has responded to interventions. This assessment informs whether the outcomes are positive, need adjustment, or require a different approach.