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.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that carries a high risk of toxicity in overdose and is generally avoided in patients with a history of suicide attempts.

B. Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), which can be lethal in overdose, making it unsafe for patients at high risk for suicide.

C. Desipramine (Norpramin) is also a TCA and poses a similar overdose risk as amitriptyline, so it is not preferred for suicidal patients.

D. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which has a much lower lethality in overdose compared to TCAs or MAOIs, making it the preferred choice for patients with a history of suicidal behavior.

A. Making a judgment about the patient's problem. B. Restating a feeling or thought the patient has expressed. C. Asking a direct question, such as "Did you feel angry?" D. Saying "I understand what you're saying"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Judging the patient can shut down communication and make the patient feel defensive rather than heard.

B. This technique, also called reflective listening, shows the patient that the nurse is actively listening and trying to understand their perspective, encouraging further expression.

C. Direct questions can be useful, but they may limit patient expression and can feel leading rather than supportive.

D. While intended to show empathy, this phrase can be perceived as dismissive if the nurse has not fully explored the patient’s feelings.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

An adult outpatient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has a history of several suicide attempts by overdose. Given this patient's history and diagnosis, which antidepressant medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed to this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which technique will best communicate to a patient that the nurse is interested in listening?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which individual in the emergency department should be considered at highest risk for completing suicide?

A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain their behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?

A newly hospitalized patient experiencing psychosis says. "Red chair out town board." Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

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?

Select an example of a tort.

An older adult diagnosed with dementia lives with family in a rural area. During the week, this adult attends a day care center while the family is at work. In the evenings, members of the family provide care. Which factor makes this adult most vulnerable to abuse?

An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. "The family asks whether the patient will recover?" What would be the nurses' best answer?