A nurse is conducting an assessment for a patient with suicidal ideation. Which skill involves acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing with them?
Active listening.
Empowerment.
Validation.
Open-ended questions.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Active listening. Active listening is an important communication skill that involves attentively hearing and interpreting what the patient is saying. However, it doesn't specifically address the aspect of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing.
Choice B rationale:
Empowerment. Empowerment refers to the process of enabling and supporting patients to take control of their own health and make informed decisions. While this is an essential aspect of patient care, it doesn't directly address the skill of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts without expressing agreement or disagreement.
Choice C rationale:
Validation. Validation involves recognizing and accepting the patient's feelings and thoughts as valid, even if you don't share the same perspective. It shows empathy and understanding without passing judgment. In the context of a patient with suicidal ideation, validation is crucial as it helps build trust and rapport, creating an environment where the patient feels heard and supported.
Choice D rationale:
Open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are inquiries that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and encourage patients to provide more detailed responses. While they are valuable for eliciting information, they don't specifically address the act of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without taking a stance.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of various underlying mental health conditions. It is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a manifestation of an individual's thoughts about self-harm or suicide. Suicidal ideation can range from passive thoughts of death to active and detailed plans for self-harm. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize and assess suicidal ideation as it can indicate significant distress and potential risk.
Choice A rationale:
Suicidal ideation is not a diagnosis on its own. It is a symptom that indicates emotional or psychological distress. Diagnoses are typically related to specific mental health disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder) that may or may not involve suicidal ideation.
Choice B rationale:
Suicidal ideation is not solely more common in older adults. It can affect individuals of all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. While the prevalence and characteristics of suicidal ideation may vary across age groups, it is not accurate to state that it is more common in older adults.
Choice C rationale:
Suicidal ideation does not always involve a detailed plan for self-harm. Suicidal ideation exists on a continuum, ranging from vague thoughts of death to well-formed plans for suicide. Some individuals may experience fleeting thoughts of wanting to die without having a detailed plan, while others may have specific plans and intent.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The importance of isolation during times of distress is not accurate information. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, potentially increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts. Encouraging isolation can prevent individuals from seeking help and support when they need it the most.
Choice B rationale:
The role of faith healing in preventing suicidal thoughts is not a universally applicable solution. While faith and spirituality can provide comfort and support to some individuals, it's important to recognize that suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that often involves professional intervention and evidence-based strategies. Relying solely on faith healing may neglect other important aspects of mental health care.
Choice C rationale:
Crisis hotline numbers, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, are crucial resources for individuals in crisis. These hotlines provide immediate access to trained professionals who can offer support, intervention, and referrals to mental health services. Sharing these hotline numbers empowers the client's family to take proactive steps in seeking help during times of crisis.
Choice D rationale:
The necessity of solving all life problems before seeking help is an unrealistic expectation. Mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts, do not always correlate with external life problems. Waiting until all problems are solved could delay necessary intervention and support. It's essential to encourage seeking help early, even if all problems cannot be immediately resolved.
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