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?
Suicidal ideation is a diagnosis in itself.
Suicidal ideation is more common in older adults.
Suicidal ideation always involves a detailed plan for self-harm.
Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of various underlying mental health conditions.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dismissing the client's thoughts and labeling them as unhealthy might cause the client to feel judged or reluctant to share further. It's important to approach the situation with openness and empathy.
Choice B rationale:
While it's true that the client's thoughts might pass, this response doesn't address the client's feelings or encourage them to express themselves. It's important to engage in a more in-depth conversation to understand their emotions.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences opens the door for meaningful conversation and assessment. This response shows genuine interest in the client's well-being and allows the nurse to gather more information to determine the appropriate level of support.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that things will get better soon might come across as dismissive of their current struggles. It's important to validate their emotions and explore their feelings further rather than offering premature reassurances.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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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