A nurse answers a suicide crisis line. A caller says, "I live alone in a home several miles from my nearest neighbors. I have been considering suicide for 2 months. I have had several drinks and now my gun is loaded. I'm going to shoot myself in the heart." How would the nurse assess the lethality of this plan?
Moderate level
High level
No risk
Low level
The Correct Answer is B
A. Moderate level would suggest a plan that has some risk but may be less imminent or less likely to result in death.
B. A plan involving a loaded gun aimed at a vital organ like the heart, coupled with alcohol consumption and intent, indicates a high level of lethality.
C. This scenario presents a significant risk given the method and the caller's intent, so "No risk" would not be appropriate.
D. Low level would suggest a plan that is less likely to cause severe harm or death, which is not the case here.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Relaxation strategies involve deliberate and often structured activities aimed at reducing tension and stress, which isn't depicted in the described behavior.
B. Withdrawal behaviors typically involve avoiding social interaction or retreating, which doesn't align with the observed actions.
C. The described behavior, including pacing, clenching fists, and staring at a staff member, indicates potential signs of aggression or agitation.
D. Working through angry feelings might involve communication or expression of emotions, but the described behavior leans more towards agitation and potential aggression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While both schizophrenia and PTSD are mental health disorders, the priority in this context for a soldier with a history of combat exposure is to screen for conditions that commonly arise from traumatic experiences, such as PTSD and major depressive disorder.
B. PTSD and major depressive disorder can often co-occur, especially in individuals exposed to trauma. Given the soldier's history of combat exposure and PTSD diagnosis, screening for major depressive disorder is crucial due to its frequent association with PTSD and its potential severity.
C. Bipolar disorder may share some symptoms with PTSD, but given the context of returning from combat and the diagnosis of PTSD, the priority would be to focus on screening for
conditions more directly linked to trauma.
D. Dementia is less likely to be directly related to combat exposure in a returning soldier. While it's essential to assess the soldier's overall mental health, the immediate concern in this scenario would be mental health conditions more commonly associated with trauma.

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