A depressed patient says, "nothing matters anymore." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Try to stay hopeful. Things have a way of working out."
"Are you having thoughts of suicide?"
"Tell me more about what interested you before you became depressed."
"I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Offering platitudes can minimize the patient’s feelings and may shut down further disclosure.
B. Directly asking about suicidal thoughts is the most important and therapeutic response because the statement expresses hopelessness, a major risk factor for suicide. This question assesses immediate safety and guides next steps (ask about intent, plan, means; implement suicide precautions and notify the provider as indicated).
C. Exploring past interests can be therapeutic later, but it does not address the immediate safety concern suggested by the patient’s hopeless statement.
D. Saying you don’t understand is vague and avoids addressing the potential crisis; a direct, nonjudgmental assessment of suicidal ideation is required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Delirium can cause difficulty recognizing objects, people, or places, which is a form of agnosia.
B. Patients with delirium often have fluctuating levels of consciousness, ranging from lethargy to hyperalertness.
C. Delirium commonly affects orientation, causing confusion about where they are or what time it is.
D. Apathy is more characteristic of depression or dementia rather than the acute, fluctuating attention seen in delirium.
E. Patients with delirium often display inattention and an inability to focus, leading to distractibility and wandering attention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This response minimizes her grief and implies pathology; crying after a recent traumatic loss is normal.
B. This response acknowledges the client’s pain, validates her feelings, and encourages continued expression, making it therapeutic.
C. This abruptly changes the subject and ignores her grief, which is the client’s primary concern.
D. This pathologizes normal grief and focuses on her diagnosis instead of providing empathy and support.
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