A nurse assesses a patient who reports a 3-week history of depression and periods of uncontrolled crying. The patient says. "My business is bankrupt and was served with divorce papers." Which subsequent statement by the patient alerts the nurse to a covert suicidal message?

"My family will be better off without me."

"Life is not worth living."

"I wish I were dead."

"I have a plan that will fix everything"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "My family will be better off without me" is an indirect or covert suicidal statement (passive ideation) that suggests the patient believes others would be better off if they were gone. Such remarks require immediate assessment of suicide risk (ask directly about thoughts, intent, plan, access to means) and appropriate safety interventions.
B. "Life is not worth living" is an explicit expression of hopelessness and indicates suicidal ideation, but it is more overt than covert. It still warrants urgent assessment, but the question asked specifically for the covert message.
C. "I wish I were dead" is a direct statement of suicidal desire (overt) rather than a covert hint.
D. "I have a plan that will fix everything" is the most concerning because it indicates a specific plan (high lethality risk), but it is overt rather than covert.

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Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate delayed or impaired language development.
B. Consistent limit testing is more characteristic of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), not ASD.
C. A short attention span is more typical of ADHD, not ASD.
D. Repetitive motor behaviors (e.g., spinning toys, flapping hands) are hallmark features of ASD.
E. Ritualistic or rigid routines/behaviors are common in ASD, and disruptions may cause significant distress.

A. Consider discontinuation of suicide precautions. B. Supervise the patient 24 hours a day. C. Begin discharge planning for the patient. D. Refer the patient to art and music therapists

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Suicide precautions should never be discontinued at this time; in fact, suicide risk is highest when energy improves before mood fully stabilizes.
B. Increased energy after starting antidepressants raises suicide risk, as the patient may now have the ability to act on suicidal thoughts. Continuous supervision is the priority for safety.
C. Discharge planning is premature at this stage; safety comes first.
D. Art and music therapy may be beneficial long-term but do not address the immediate suicide risk.

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A nurse assesses a patient who reports a 3-week history of depression and periods of uncontrolled crying. The patient says. "My business is bankrupt and was served with divorce papers." Which subsequent statement by the patient alerts the nurse to a covert suicidal message?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a child who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

It has been 5 days since a suicidal patient was hospitalized and prescribed an antidepressant medication. The patient is now more talkative and shows increased energy. Select the highest priority nursing intervention.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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