A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?
The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.
The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.
The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.
The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.
Engaging in activities and social interactions can actually be a positive sign, as it suggests involvement and connection with others, which can be protective against suicide.
B. The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.
Identifying with others' problems may indicate empathy, but it is not necessarily indicative of suicide risk on its own.
C. The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.
Explanation: Impulsivity can be a significant risk factor for suicide. A sudden increase in impulsive behavior might indicate that the client is not thinking clearly and is acting without considering the potential consequences. Impulsivity can lead to actions that are harmful or dangerous, including suicidal behaviors.
D. The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.
Expressing a desire to be with loved ones is generally not an indicator of suicide risk. In fact, having a strong support system can be protective against suicidal thoughts.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Asking the client to create their own schedule of daily activities may overwhelm them and exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or indecisiveness commonly experienced with depression. The nurse should provide structure and guidance in establishing a manageable routine.
The other options do not align with best practices for caring for a client with major depressive disorder:
B. Teaching passive communication is not appropriate, as assertive communication is typically encouraged to help the client express her needs and feelings effectively.
C.Asking the client to create their own schedule of daily activities may overwhelm them and exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or indecisiveness commonly experienced with depression. The nurse should provide structure and guidance in establishing a manageable routine
D. Limiting involvement in unit activities could further isolate the client and exacerbate her symptoms. Encouraging participation and engagement is generally more beneficial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Identify the client's nutritional status.
Explanation:
Given the significant weight loss and the client's distorted belief about her body image (believing she is fat despite losing weight), it is crucial to assess the client's nutritional status first. Rapid weight loss and distorted body image are characteristic features of an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa. The nurse needs to determine the extent of malnutrition and potential medical complications related to inadequate nutrition. This assessment will guide the subsequent interventions.
Why the other choices are incorrect:
B. Provide a structured environment for the client.
While providing a structured environment can be important in managing eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, it is not the first priority. Understanding the client's nutritional status and medical condition takes precedence.
C. Plan a therapeutic diet for the client.
Planning a therapeutic diet may be part of the client's care plan, but without understanding the underlying nutritional status and potential eating disorder, creating a diet plan may not be effective or appropriate.
D. Request a mental health consult.
While a mental health consult is important for addressing the client's distorted body image and potential eating disorder, it should follow the assessment of nutritional status. The nutritional assessment provides critical information for both medical and psychological interventions.
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