A nurse is collecting data from a client who has had major depressive disorder for 5 years. Which of the following statements made by the client should the nurse identify as a covert statement regarding suicide?

Rationale:

A. Maintain the client in high-Fowler's position: Placing the client in high-Fowler's position improves lung expansion and decreases pulmonary congestion by lowering venous return to the heart. This is a priority intervention for managing dyspnea and crackles in heart failure.

B. Increase the client's intake of oral fluids: Increasing fluid intake may worsen fluid overload in clients with heart failure. These clients typically require fluid restrictions to prevent exacerbation of symptoms like pulmonary edema.

C. Instruct the client to cough every 4 hr: While coughing can help clear secretions, the symptoms in this scenario are related to fluid overload, not mucus accumulation. Coughing alone will not relieve the pulmonary congestion seen in heart failure.

D. Encourage the client to ambulate to loosen secretions: Ambulation has benefits but is not the first action when the client is short of breath and showing signs of pulmonary congestion. Activity should be limited until respiratory status stabilizes.

Rationale:

• 3-month history of unplanned weight loss, increased sweating, heat intolerance, fatigue, and insomnia: These symptoms are consistent with hypermetabolic activity seen in hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease, and require follow-up and management to prevent complications like thyroid storm.

• Last menstrual period was 3 months ago: Amenorrhea can occur due to hormonal imbalance caused by elevated thyroid hormones. This finding indicates endocrine dysfunction and should be investigated further.

• Skin is warm and moist. Exophthalmos noted, goiter visualized on neck: These are classic physical signs of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune hyperthyroid condition. The exophthalmos (protruding eyes) and goiter (thyroid enlargement) are abnormal and require follow-up.

• Client's partner reports that the client is irritable and anxious lately: Mood changes, such as irritability and anxiety, are common in hyperthyroidism and may affect the client’s quality of life and safety. This finding warrants further psychological and endocrine evaluation.