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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Advising the client to keep their feelings to themselves is not an appropriate intervention in this situation. Suicidal ideation is a serious concern, and keeping feelings hidden could potentially lead to the client not receiving the necessary support and intervention they need to stay safe.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to isolate themselves until they feel better is not an appropriate intervention either. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Connecting with the client and providing a supportive environment is crucial.

Choice C rationale:

Asking the client directly if they are thinking about harming themselves is the most appropriate intervention. This approach helps the nurse assess the severity of the situation, open a dialogue about the client's feelings, and determine the level of risk. Direct communication allows for a better understanding of the client's mental state and the need for further intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Providing the client with alcohol or drugs to help them cope is a dangerous and inappropriate intervention. Substance use can further impair judgment and increase the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. This action also fails to address the underlying issues contributing to the client's distress.

A. "You shouldn't feel that way. There are many people who care about you.". B. "I understand how you feel. Grief can be overwhelming.". C. "You need to stay strong for your children.". D. "Try not to think about it too much. Time heals all wounds.".

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client that they shouldn't feel a certain way and suggesting that others care about them minimizes their emotions and can be invalidating. It's essential to acknowledge the client's feelings without dismissing them.

Choice B rationale:

Expressing understanding and acknowledging the overwhelming nature of grief is appropriate and empathetic. This response validates the client's emotions and creates a safe space for them to express their feelings.

Choice C rationale:

While the intention behind encouraging the client to stay strong for their children might be positive, it oversimplifies the complexity of grief and emotional responses. Grief is a personal experience, and implying that they should suppress their emotions for the sake of others is not ideal.

Choice D rationale:

Suggesting that the client avoid thinking about their loss or that time will heal their wounds can invalidate their current emotional state. Grief doesn't always follow a linear path, and minimizing the impact of the loss can hinder the client's healing process.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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