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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While acknowledging the patient's feelings is important, ensuring safety is the priority, and the response should emphasize the ongoing concern for safety.
B. Prioritizing patient safety and care is crucial, especially in situations involving suicidal risks.
C. Encouraging the patient to elaborate further is essential; however, the priority is to maintain the safety precautions.
D. Directing the patient to not participate in their care isn't supportive or therapeutic, especially when safety is a concern.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While assessing the impact of a suicide attempt on others is important, the immediate focus following a successful suicide attempt in a mental health unit is to ensure the safety of all clients.
B. Restricting group therapy for 72 hours might impede the therapeutic process and does not directly address the safety of clients after a suicide attempt.
C. Following a suicide attempt, it's standard practice to heighten monitoring and implement suicide precautions for all clients to ensure their safety.
D. While assessing the situation is important, immediate intervention to prevent further harm to other clients is a priority following a suicide attempt. The psychological assessment might occur but would not be the primary intervention in this immediate crisis situation.
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