A nurse in a community clinic is speaking to a parent who expresses concern for her adolescent son.
Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
“He spends much of his time with his school friends.”
“He has slept 9 hours each night for the past 2 years.”
“He is very religious and attends services twice a week.”
“His basketball coach committed suicide last month.”
The Correct Answer is D
A rationale:
Spending time with friends can be a protective factor against suicide, as it provides social support and connection.
While isolation can be a risk factor, spending time with friends does not inherently indicate suicide risk.
It's important to assess the quality of relationships and the presence of other risk factors.
Choice B rationale:
Regular sleep patterns often indicate healthy mental health.
Significant changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little) can be warning signs, but consistent sleep of 9 hours is not typically a concern.
It's essential to evaluate sleep quality and any recent changes.
Choice C rationale:
Religious involvement can provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and support, which can be protective against suicide.
While it's not a guarantee of protection, it's generally a positive factor.
It's crucial to assess the individual's level of engagement and any potential conflicts within their religious beliefs.
Choice D rationale:
Exposure to suicide, especially in a close connection like a coach, can significantly increase a person's risk for suicide.
It can lead to normalization of suicide as a coping mechanism, imitation of behavior, or triggering of underlying mental health issues.
This is a strong risk factor that warrants immediate attention and assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.
Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.
Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.
Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale:
Having consistent unit routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be beneficial for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a stimulating environment can potentially exacerbate symptoms of mania, making it an inappropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Scheduling daily seclusion times is not typically recommended as it can lead to feelings of isolation.
Choice D rationale:
Discouraging daytime napping can potentially lead to fatigue and worsen symptoms, so it’s not typically recommended.
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