A home health nurse is assessing a client with AIDS.
Which of the following responses by the client indicates a risk for suicide?
"I don't want to lose control of my ability to make decisions.".
"I know that everything will be better soon.".
"I am relying more and more on my partner for support.".
"I am afraid of experiencing pain near the end.".
The Correct Answer is D
People living with HIV/AIDS have a much higher risk of suicide than the general population1. Some of the risk factors for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide deaths in this group are depression, advanced disease, neurological changes, stigma, poor social support, negative life events, physical pain and fear of rejection.
Based on these risk factors, the response by the client that indicates a higher risk for suicide is d. “I am afraid of experiencing pain near the end.” This response suggests that the client has a low perception of their physical health, a fear of losing control and a pessimistic outlook on their future. These are signs of hopelessness, which is a strong predictor of suicide.
The other responses do not necessarily indicate a high risk for suicide, although they may reflect some challenges that the client is facing. For example, response a. may indicate a desire for autonomy and dignity, response b. may indicate a coping strategy or denial, and response c. may indicate a source of emotional support or dependency. However, these responses do not imply that the client is thinking about harming themselves or ending their life.
Therefore, the home health nurse should assess the client’s level of hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide plan, and provide appropriate interventions and referrals to prevent a possible suicide attempt. The nurse should also monitor the client’s mood, pain, medication adherence and social support, and offer education, counseling and resources to improve the client’s quality of life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In a suspected or confirmed bioterrorism event, the nurse should don personal protective equipment to protect themselves from potential exposure 1.
Choice B is incorrect because disinfecting contaminated areas of skin with isopropyl alcohol may not be sufficient to protect against a bioterrorism-related illness.
Choice C is incorrect because while reporting the client’s condition to the appropriate authorities is important, the Federal Bureau of Investigation may not be the appropriate agency to report to in this situation.
The nurse should report the client’s condition to local and state health departments 1.
Choice D is incorrect because while moving the client to a quarantine area may be necessary in some situations, it is not necessarily the first action that should be taken.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This intervention is a secondary prevention strategy because it involves screening and early intervention to address potential mental health concerns among disaster survivors.
Choices B, C, and D are not secondary prevention strategies.
Publishing a listing of shelter locations in local media sources (choice B) is a primary prevention strategy because it involves providing information to the public before a disaster occurs.
Providing age-appropriate activities for shelter residents (choice C) and compiling resources available to transition individuals from shelters to a home (choice D) are tertiary prevention strategies because they involve providing support and resources to individuals who have already been affected by a disaster
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