A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about suicide prevention. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the information?
"The blinds in the client's room will need to stay closed to prevent overstimulation."
"Family members should be encouraged to look up the warning signs of suicide."
"The client can eat their meal alone in their room."
"All sharp objects should be removed from the client's room."
The Correct Answer is D
A. The blinds in the client's room will need to stay closed to prevent overstimulation. Keeping the blinds closed is not a standard suicide prevention measure. While reducing overstimulation may be helpful for some mental health conditions, suicide prevention focuses more on removing means of self-harm, increasing supervision, and providing therapeutic interventions.
B. Family members should be encouraged to look up the warning signs of suicide. While educating family members about suicide warning signs is beneficial, simply encouraging them to look up the information is insufficient. The nurse should provide direct education and resources to ensure they recognize signs of suicidal ideation and know how to respond appropriately.
C. The client can eat their meal alone in their room. Allowing a suicidal client to eat alone increases the risk of self-harm, as food-related items (such as utensils, plastic bags, or containers) could be misused. Clients at risk for suicide should be supervised during meals to ensure their safety.
D. All sharp objects should be removed from the client's room. Removing sharp objects is a critical component of suicide prevention in inpatient settings. Limiting access to potential means of self-harm, including sharp items, cords, belts, and other dangerous objects, helps reduce the risk of suicide attempts.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Paranoia is a positive symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by excessive distrust and suspicion. Positive symptoms involve an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations or delusions. Paranoia reflects an altered perception of reality rather than a diminished emotional or cognitive function.
B. Distorted beliefs, including delusions, are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia. These beliefs are false, fixed, and not based on reality, often involving grandiosity, persecution, or somatic concerns. Positive symptoms represent an exaggeration of normal thought processes rather than a reduction in function.
C. Confusion is often associated with cognitive impairment in schizophrenia but is not classified as a negative symptom. Cognitive symptoms include deficits in memory, attention, and executive function, whereas negative symptoms involve the absence of normal emotional or behavioral responses. Confusion is more related to disorganized thinking rather than a loss of function.
D. Lack of emotions, or affective flattening, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms involve a reduction in normal functions, such as diminished emotional expression, social withdrawal, and decreased motivation. These symptoms contribute significantly to functional impairment and are often more resistant to treatment than positive symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "When attending dialectical behavior therapy." Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is specifically designed to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) manage emotions and reduce self-harming behaviors. While therapy can bring up distressing emotions, it provides structured support and coping strategies. The risk of self-harm is lower when clients are actively engaged in treatment and receiving professional guidance.
B. "When getting married." Major life changes, including marriage, can be stressful for individuals with BPD, but they do not inherently pose the highest risk for self-harm. Support from a partner and structured therapy can help navigate emotional challenges. While instability in relationships can trigger distress, the protective factors of marriage may reduce immediate risk. Self-harm risk is typically higher in periods of transition without support.
C. "When discharged from the hospital." Clients with BPD often struggle with emotional regulation, and discharge represents a significant transition with decreased support. The sudden loss of a structured inpatient setting can increase feelings of abandonment and distress, leading to a heightened risk of self-harm. Ensuring a follow-up care plan and support system is crucial to reducing this risk after hospitalization.
D. "When attending narrative therapy." Narrative therapy helps clients reframe their experiences and build a stronger sense of identity. Although deep emotional topics may be explored, structured therapy provides a safe space for expression. Therapeutic interventions aim to reduce distress and teach coping mechanisms, decreasing the likelihood of self-harm. The highest risk occurs when structured support is suddenly removed.
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