A mental health nurse is assessing the suicide risk of a group of clients on a mental health unit. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as having a risk factor for a suicide attempt?

Choice A rationale: Identifying triggers for anxiety reactions is a crucial part of managing chronic anxiety. By recognizing what situations, thoughts, or feelings provoke anxiety, the client can begin to develop coping strategies to handle these triggers effectively. This approach is often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is a common treatment for anxiety disorders.

Choice B rationale: While contacting a crisis counselor can be helpful in acute situations, it may not be necessary for a client with chronic anxiety to do so on a weekly basis. Regular therapy sessions with a mental health professional would likely be more beneficial, as they can provide ongoing support and help the client develop long-term coping strategies.

Choice C rationale: It’s unrealistic and unfeasible to completely eliminate stress and anxiety from daily life. Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone experiences it to some degree. Instead, the focus should be on managing stress and anxiety effectively through techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

Choice D rationale: Trying to repress feelings of anxiety can actually exacerbate them. It’s important for individuals with anxiety disorders to acknowledge their feelings and learn how to manage them, rather than trying to suppress them. Repression can lead to increased anxiety and other mental health issues over time.

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive and judgmental. It implies that the client's partner was wrong to share the news, and it does not acknowledge the client's feelings. This could make the client feel even more isolated and unsupported.

It's important to remember that the client is likely experiencing a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, anger, and anxiety. The nurse's role is to provide support and validation, not to judge the client's feelings or the actions of their partner.

Choice B rationale:

This response demonstrates empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the client's feelings and invites them to share more about their experience. This can help the client to feel heard and supported.

By verbalizing the client's feelings, the nurse is helping them to process the news and begin to cope with the situation. This can be a valuable first step in helping the client to develop a plan for moving forward.

Choice C rationale:

This response is dismissive and unhelpful. It does not acknowledge the client's feelings, and it offers no support or guidance. This could make the client feel even more hopeless and helpless.

While it may be true that there is not much the client can do about the situation immediately, the nurse can still offer support and help the client to explore their options.

Choice D rationale:

This response is premature and potentially unrealistic. The client may not be ready to contact their boss yet, and there is no guarantee that their job will be available to them. This could set the client up for disappointment and further distress.

It's important to allow the client to process the news and consider their options before taking any action. The nurse can help the client to identify potential resources and supports, and to develop a plan that is right for them.