A nurse is teaching a client's family about suicide prevention. What information should the nurse emphasize when discussing resources for help and support?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Psychological needs are more important than physiological needs. This statement contradicts Maslow's hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow's theory, physiological needs, such as air, water, food, and shelter, are at the base of the hierarchy and must be satisfied before addressing higher-level psychological needs.

Choice B rationale:

Social isolation takes precedence over impaired coping. While social isolation can indeed have a significant impact on a person's well-being, Maslow's hierarchy places physiological needs as the foundation. Without satisfying basic physiological needs, addressing higher-level psychological and social needs becomes less effective.

Choice C rationale:

Physiological needs are more important than psychological needs. This choice aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The hierarchy starts with physiological needs as the most fundamental, followed by safety, belongingness and love, esteem, and finally, self-actualization. A person's physiological needs (like breathing, food, water, sleep) must be met before psychological needs (such as self-esteem, achievement) can be effectively addressed.

Choice D rationale:

Grieving is considered the highest priority diagnosis. Grieving, while important, isn't necessarily the highest priority diagnosis according to Maslow's hierarchy. It falls under psychological and emotional needs, which are secondary to physiological needs. Urgent physiological needs take precedence over emotional needs in this context.