A nurse is providing education to a group of healthcare professionals about suicide and suicidal ideation. Which of the following statements accurately describes suicidal ideation?

The client has a subjective state with limited personal choices.

Choice A rationale:

The client is at risk for self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. This choice does not accurately define the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." While it is true that hopelessness can lead to self-harm or suicide, the nursing diagnosis focuses on the client's emotional state and personal choices rather than the immediate risk of injury.

Choice B rationale:

The client has a subjective state with limited personal choices. This choice accurately defines the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." Hopelessness refers to the client's emotional state of feeling devoid of hope, often resulting in a perceived lack of personal choices and options. This sense of hopelessness can contribute to feelings of despair and potentially suicidal ideation.

Choice C rationale:

The client is unable to cope with stressors. This choice is not the most accurate definition of "Hopelessness." While hopelessness can certainly impact a client's ability to cope with stressors, the primary focus of the diagnosis is on the subjective emotional state and perceived lack of choices, rather than their coping abilities.

Choice D rationale:

The client experiences compromised family coping. This choice is not directly related to the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." Family coping refers to how a family unit manages stressors together, whereas hopelessness pertains to an individual's emotional state and perceived choices.

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Choice A rationale:

This statement reflects a significant red flag for potential suicide risk. The client's acknowledgment of losing their job and perceiving their family would be better off without them suggests feelings of worthlessness and burden. These emotions are associated with an increased risk of self-harm or suicide. Immediate attention and intervention are necessary to address the client's distorted thoughts and emotions.

Choice B rationale:

"I enjoy spending time with my pet dog; it helps me relax" is not an alarming statement related to suicide risk. While it highlights a coping mechanism, it doesn't provide direct insight into the client's emotional state or thoughts about self-harm.

Choice C rationale:

"I have a supportive group of friends who are always there for me" indicates a positive aspect of the client's social support network. This statement does not raise immediate concerns about suicide risk. However, a comprehensive assessment should still explore the client's overall emotional well-being.

Choice D rationale:

"I find it challenging to express my emotions to others" suggests a difficulty in emotional expression, which can be relevant to the assessment but does not inherently indicate imminent suicide risk. It's important to further explore the client's reasons for struggling with emotional expression.