A nurse is assessing a client for potential suicidal ideation. The client says, "I've been thinking a lot about death lately. I wonder what it's like to not exist anymore." What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?
"You shouldn't dwell on those thoughts. They're not healthy.".
"I can see that you're feeling down, but these thoughts will pass.".
"Tell me more about what you're experiencing.".
"Just remember that things will get better soon.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dismissing the client's thoughts and labeling them as unhealthy might cause the client to feel judged or reluctant to share further. It's important to approach the situation with openness and empathy.
Choice B rationale:
While it's true that the client's thoughts might pass, this response doesn't address the client's feelings or encourage them to express themselves. It's important to engage in a more in-depth conversation to understand their emotions.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences opens the door for meaningful conversation and assessment. This response shows genuine interest in the client's well-being and allows the nurse to gather more information to determine the appropriate level of support.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that things will get better soon might come across as dismissive of their current struggles. It's important to validate their emotions and explore their feelings further rather than offering premature reassurances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A.Administering prescribed antidepressant medication,
B. Assisting the client in creating a hope box,
C. Teaching relaxation techniques to the client, and E. Providing education about the importance of follow-up care.
Choice A rationale:
Administering prescribed antidepressant medication is an important intervention for a client with suicidal ideation who may be experiencing underlying depression. Antidepressants can help alleviate depressive symptoms, which can contribute to an improved mental state and decreased risk of self-harm.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client in creating a hope box is a valuable intervention. A hope box is a collection of items that hold personal significance and provide comfort to the client during times of distress. This intervention encourages the client to focus on positive aspects of their life, fostering hope and resilience.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching relaxation techniques to the client equips them with coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. These techniques can help the client regulate their emotions and reduce feelings of distress, which are essential for preventing suicidal ideation.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging social isolation is not appropriate for a client with suicidal ideation. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, increasing the risk of self-harm. Instead, promoting social connections and a supportive network can contribute to the client's well-being.
Choice E rationale:
Providing education about the importance of follow-up care is crucial for a client's ongoing well-being. Follow-up care ensures that the client continues to receive necessary support and interventions, reducing the risk of relapse and maintaining their progress toward recovery.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice B:
Encouraging active patient involvement.
Choice D:
Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts.
Choice A rationale:
Closed-ended questions often limit conversation and do not encourage deeper exploration of feelings or thoughts. In a therapeutic relationship with a patient at risk for suicide, the focus should be on open communication and building trust, which is not achieved through the use of closed-ended questions. Therefore, this choice is not suitable for building rapport and trust.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging active patient involvement is crucial for establishing a therapeutic relationship. It empowers the patient to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings openly. This choice promotes a sense of collaboration and trust between the nurse and the patient, creating a safe space for discussing sensitive topics like suicidal thoughts.
Choice C rationale:
Imposing personal opinions can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Patients should feel that their thoughts and feelings are respected and valued. Imposing personal opinions could alienate the patient and undermine the trust-building process.
Choice D rationale:
Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts involves active listening and showing empathy. This technique validates the patient's emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and trust. Reflecting feelings and thoughts demonstrates that the nurse is genuinely engaged and interested in the patient's perspective.
Choice E rationale:
Disregarding the patient's preferences goes against the principles of patient-centered care and building a therapeutic relationship. The patient's preferences and needs should be acknowledged and respected to establish trust and rapport. Disregarding preferences can lead to feelings of invalidation and hinder the development of a meaningful connection.
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