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 ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique for stress reduction. It involves systematically tensing and releasing different muscle groups throughout the body. This process helps to release physical tension, promote relaxation, and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.
PMR has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety in various populations, including individuals with chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and sleep difficulties.
It is a simple, safe, and accessible technique that can be practiced independently without any special equipment or training.
Choice B rationale:
While sleeping in can provide temporary relief from stress, it is not considered an adaptive coping strategy in the long term.
Oversleeping can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, which can actually worsen stress and anxiety in the long run.
It can also lead to social isolation and decreased productivity, further compounding stress.
Choice C rationale:
While distraction techniques, such as thinking about a favorite vacation, can provide temporary relief from stress, they do not address the underlying causes of stress.
Overreliance on distraction can prevent individuals from developing more effective coping strategies for managing stress in the long term.
Choice D rationale:
Social isolation is generally considered a maladaptive coping strategy. While it may provide temporary relief from overwhelming situations, it can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and rumination.
It can also prevent individuals from seeking support and developing more effective coping strategies.
Choice E rationale:
Social support is a crucial factor in stress management. Connecting with supportive friends and loved ones can provide emotional comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a sense of belonging.
Positive social interactions can also buffer the negative effects of stress and promote resilience.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Planning to give away prized possessions is a significant warning sign of potential suicide. This behavior often signals that the individual is preparing for death and believes they will no longer need those items. It's a concerning indication that they may have made a decision to end their life and are putting their affairs in order.
Here's a detailed breakdown of why this behavior is so concerning:
Final Arrangements: Giving away cherished belongings suggests a sense of finality and a belief that there's no future to look forward to. It's a way of detaching from material possessions and preparing for a perceived ending.
Loss of Interest: When someone loses interest in activities or items they previously valued, it can reflect a profound loss of hope and a withdrawal from life. This detachment is often a feature of suicidal ideation.
Saying Goodbye: Distributing belongings can serve as a symbolic way of saying goodbye to loved ones without explicitly stating suicidal intentions. It's a nonverbal communication of their plans, often done to avoid intervention or to ease the burden on others after their death.
Lack of Self-Preservation: The act of giving away possessions demonstrates a disregard for one's own future needs and a lack of investment in their continued existence. It suggests a mindset that they won't be around to enjoy those items any longer.
No Hope for Change: This behavior can also signal a belief that their circumstances are hopeless and that suicide is the only viable solution. It reflects a sense of despair and a conviction that things won't improve.
It's crucial to note that not all individuals who contemplate suicide will exhibit this specific behavior. However, it's a serious red flag that should never be ignored. If you witness someone giving away their possessions, it's imperative to take immediate action to assess their safety and seek professional help.
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