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"
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Giving medication against a patient’s wishes does not fulfill the standard of care; it violates patient autonomy.
B. Malpractice involves professional negligence resulting in harm, but here the issue is intentional violation of patient rights, not negligence.
C. Administering medication after a patient has explicitly refused is considered battery, which is intentional and unauthorized physical contact, even if harm does not occur.
D. Negligence is a failure to act reasonably or omission of care. This situation is an intentional act, making battery the correct legal term.
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