A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that their partner has died by suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Refer the client to a support group for survivors of suicide.
Offer to contact the client's family or support system.
Inform the client that feelings of guilt are often felt by survivors of suicide.
Determine the client's understanding of the suicide events.
The Correct Answer is D
A reason: Refer the client to a support group for survivors of suicide. While referring the client to a support group is important for long-term support, it is not the immediate priority in this acute moment of grief.
B reason: Offer to contact the client's family or support system. Offering to contact family or support systems is supportive but not the first priority. The nurse should first assess the client's immediate emotional and cognitive state.
C reason: Inform the client that feelings of guilt are often felt by survivors of suicide. Providing information about common feelings of guilt can be helpful, but the nurse should first understand the client's current state and their specific needs.
D reason: Determine the client's understanding of the suicide events. The first priority is to assess the client's understanding and emotional response to the news. This helps the nurse provide appropriate support and address any immediate misconceptions or distress.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A reason: SSRIs are more effective in relieving manifestations. Both SSRIs and TCAs are effective in treating depression, but SSRIs are generally preferred due to their more favorable side effect profile. Effectiveness can vary among individuals, so this statement is not a significant differentiator.
B reason: SSRIs produce a more sedative effect. SSRIs are generally less sedating than TCAs. TCAs are known for their sedative properties and are often prescribed for clients who need help with insomnia related to depression.
C reason: TCAs are lethal in overdose. One major difference between TCAs and SSRIs is the toxicity level in overdose. TCAs can be lethal in overdose due to their cardiotoxic effects, making them more dangerous compared to SSRIs, which have a lower risk of toxicity.
D reason: TCAs have fewer cardiovascular effects. TCAs have more cardiovascular side effects, such as arrhythmias and orthostatic hypotension, compared to SSRIs. This statement is incorrect as TCAs are associated with higher cardiovascular risks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A reason: Decreased startle response to loud noises. Clients with PTSD typically have an increased startle response due to hyperarousal. A decreased startle response would not be expected in PTSD.
B reason: Reports uninterrupted sleep of 10 to 12 hours each night. Clients with PTSD often experience sleep disturbances, including nightmares and insomnia. Reporting uninterrupted sleep is not characteristic of PTSD.
C reason: Reluctance to discuss the event that precipitated the distress. Clients with PTSD commonly avoid discussing the traumatic event as a way to avoid triggering distressing memories and emotions. This avoidance behavior is a key symptom of PTSD.
D reason: Reports feelings of acute distress that began 1 to 2 weeks ago. PTSD symptoms usually develop within three months of the traumatic event but can also emerge years later. Acute distress that began 1 to 2 weeks ago may not align with the typical onset pattern of PTSD.
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