A nurse in the Emergency Department is caring for a client with symptoms of depression and admits to thoughts of self-harm with a plan. The client has a history of borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report.

Initiating suicide precautions.

Making a contract with the client for eating behavior.

Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report is not the priority action in this situation. While assessing toxicology can provide valuable information, the immediate concern is the client's safety due to their admission of thoughts of self-harm with a plan. Toxicology can be relevant but addressing the immediate risk takes precedence.

Choice B rationale:

Initiating suicide precautions is the priority action in this case. The client's admission of thoughts of self-harm with a plan indicates a high risk for suicide. Suicide precautions involve closely monitoring the client, removing any potential means of self-harm, and providing a safe environment. Addressing the client's immediate safety is of utmost importance.

Choice C rationale:

Making a contract with the client for eating behavior is not the priority action in this situation. While eating behavior might be a concern for some individuals with borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse, the client's current statement about self-harm takes precedence. Ensuring the client's safety comes before addressing other aspects of their care.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the Hamilton Depression Scale is not the priority action in this scenario. While assessing the severity of the client's depression is important, the immediate concern is their safety due to the expressed thoughts of self-harm. Once the client's safety is ensured, further assessment and evaluation can take place.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement requires intervention by the charge nurse. The nurse is making a judgmental suggestion to the client about how they should approach their marital issues. The nurse's role is to provide support, empathy, and open-ended questions that allow the client to explore their feelings and thoughts. Making a directive statement like this can be perceived as controlling and dismissive of the client's feelings.

Choice B rationale:

Relationship difficulties being stressful and requiring effort to resolve is an appropriate and empathetic response from the nurse. This acknowledges the client's struggles and offers validation without imposing a particular solution.

Choice C rationale:

Developing a plan for communication is a constructive approach that helps the client address their concerns. This response is within the nurse's scope of practice and promotes problem-solving and effective communication between partners.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to share more about their concerns regarding their marriage is a therapeutic response. It shows active listening and facilitates the client's exploration of their feelings, which is an essential aspect of the nursing role in a therapeutic relationship.

A. The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner. B. The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month. C. The client has demonstrated increased impulsive behaviors in the past few weeks. D. The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While wanting to go home to be with loved ones can be a sign of distress, it doesn't necessarily indicate an immediate risk of suicide. Many individuals express a desire to be with family when feeling down, and this statement alone is not a definitive indicator of suicide risk.

Choice B rationale:

Engaging in social activities like playing basketball with others is generally a positive sign, as it indicates some level of interaction and engagement. This choice is less likely to indicate an immediate suicide risk.

Choice C rationale:

The client demonstrating increased impulsive behaviors is a concerning sign. Rapid and impulsive actions can potentially lead to self-harm or dangerous situations. Increased impulsivity can indicate a lack of consideration for consequences, which may elevate the risk of suicidal behaviors.

Choice D rationale:

Identifying with problems expressed by other clients is not a specific indicator of suicide risk. While it may suggest empathy and shared experiences, it doesn't directly address the immediate risk factors related to the client's bipolar disorder.

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A nurse in the Emergency Department is caring for a client with symptoms of depression and admits to thoughts of self-harm with a plan. The client has a history of borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who is sharing information regarding concerns about their marriage. The client states "My spouse and I argue most times." Which of the following statements by the nurse requires intervention by the charge nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. The nurse recognizes that which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is sharing information regarding concerns about their marriage. The client states "My spouse and I argue most times." Which of the following statements by the nurse requires intervention by the charge nurse?

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