A nurse in a mental health clinic is collecting data from a client to determine the client's risk for suicide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for suicide? (Select all that apply.)
Currently married
Alcohol use disorder
Sibling history of suicide
Access to guns in the home
Terminal liver cancer
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
A. Being married is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Married individuals often have social support and a sense of belonging, which can reduce suicide risk. Therefore, this would not be identified as a risk factor for suicide.
B. Alcohol use disorder is a significant risk factor for suicide. Alcohol can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and exacerbate underlying mental health issues. It is associated with higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts.
C. Family history of suicide, including among siblings, is a known risk factor. Exposure to suicide within the family can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, increase perceived acceptability of suicide, and impact mental health negatively.
D. Access to firearms is a well-established risk factor for completed suicide. Firearms are highly lethal, and their presence increases the likelihood of a fatal suicide attempt compared to other means.
E. Terminal illness, including conditions like terminal liver cancer, can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, potentially increasing suicide risk. The distress related to the prognosis and physical symptoms can exacerbate mental health issues.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lanugo refers to fine, soft hair that grows on the face, back, and arms as a result of malnutrition. It is more common in anorexia nervosa rather than bulimia nervosa.
B. Muscle wasting is not typically a primary symptom of bulimia.
C. Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, may occur but is not very characteristic of bulimia nervosa.
D. Hypokalemia, or low levels of potassium in the blood, is a common finding in individuals with bulimia nervosa who engage in purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of diuretics. Potassium is crucial for proper muscle and nerve function, and low levels can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used psychotherapy approach for bipolar disorder. Attending a CBT class typically does not require specific informed consent beyond the general consent for treatment, as it involves non-invasive, non-experimental therapeutic techniques aimed at improving coping skills and managing symptoms. In most cases, attending therapy sessions like CBT is considered part of routine care for mental health conditions.
B. Experimental medications involve drugs or treatments that are not yet approved by regulatory agencies (such as the FDA in the United States) for general use. For a client to participate in a clinical trial or receive an experimental medication, they must provide explicit informed consent after being informed about the potential risks, benefits, and uncertainties associated with the treatment. This process ensures that the client understands they are participating in research and not receiving standard care.
C. Participating in a group exercise program is generally considered a routine therapeutic intervention aimed at promoting physical health and well-being. While informed consent is important for all interventions, including exercise programs, it typically involves providing general information about the program's goals, activities, and any potential risks. Clients are not consenting to experimental treatments or procedures that go beyond standard exercise protocols.
D. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment often used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders. It involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light to regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. While light therapy is a specialized treatment, it is a standard intervention for mood disorders and does not typically require separate informed consent beyond what is provided for standard medical treatments.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.