A school registered nurse is speaking to the father of a 15-year-old male adolescent. The father has concerns about his son.
Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
"He spends much of his time with his best school friends."
"He is very religious and attends church services every week."
"He has slept 8 hours each night for the past 3 years."
"His favorite teen actor committed suicide a week ago.".
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
Choice A: While social isolation can be a risk factor for suicide, spending time with close friends can actually be protective. This statement alone does not suggest an increased risk.
Choice B: Religious involvement and participation in religious activities can be protective factors against suicide by providing support, meaning, and a sense of belonging. This statement does not indicate a specific risk.
Choice C: Consistent, healthy sleep patterns are generally associated with positive mental health and are not indicative of suicidal ideation. This statement does not raise concerns for suicide risk.
Choice D: Exposure to suicide, particularly within one's social circle or among individuals one admires, is a significant risk factor for suicide due to the phenomenon of "social contagion." The recent suicide of the adolescent's favorite actor increases his vulnerability and necessitates immediate assessment and intervention.
Social contagion refers to the tendency for suicidal behaviors to spread within a community or group, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to a suicide can trigger suicidal thoughts and feelings in vulnerable individuals, especially if they identify with the deceased or perceive the suicide as a viable coping mechanism.
The adolescent's age (15 years) is also a crucial factor. Adolescence is a period of heightened emotional vulnerability and increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior due to various developmental and psychosocial challenges.
The father's concern suggests that the adolescent may be exhibiting other concerning behaviors or changes in mood or behavior. The nurse should gather more information and conduct a comprehensive suicide risk assessment to determine the level of risk and implement appropriate interventions.
Additional considerations:
The nurse should inquire about the nature of the adolescent's relationship with the deceased actor, his emotional state since the suicide, and any other potential stressors or vulnerabilities he may be facing.
The nurse should involve the parents in the assessment and intervention process, providing them with education and resources on suicide prevention and support.
If the assessment indicates a high risk of suicide, the nurse should immediately refer the adolescent to a mental health professional or emergency department for further evaluation and treatment.
Remember: Suicide is a serious public health issue, and early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing tragic outcomes. School nurses play a vital role in recognizing warning signs and providing timely support and resources to adolescents at risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Feeling too tired to attend a group meeting does not necessarily indicate anxiety. It could be due to various reasons such as lack of sleep, side effects of medication, or lack of motivation, which are not indications for administering lorazepam.
Choice B rationale: Seeing “purple bugs crawling on the wall” is a hallucination, which is a symptom of schizophrenia, not anxiety. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for hallucinations.
Choice C rationale: Believing that he is a government agent is a delusion, which is a symptom of schizophrenia. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for delusions.
Choice D rationale: “My heart is pounding out of my chest” is a common symptom of anxiety. It indicates that the client might be experiencing physiological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate and palpitations. In this case, administering lorazepam, which is an anxiolytic medication, would be appropriate.
In conclusion, the nurse should consider administering lorazepam when the client states, “My heart is pounding out of my chest.”
Lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain and nervous system, producing a calming effect.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that persists for at least 6 months, interfering with daily life.
Important Considerations:
Lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
It should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, who can assess the individual's needs and potential risks.
Self-treating with lorazepam is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
If you have concerns about anxiety or are considering using lorazepam, please consult a licensed physician or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Remember,
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Bradycardia
Bradycardia, or an abnormally slow heart rate, is a common cardiovascular manifestation in individuals with anorexia nervosa. It is often a result of the body’s adaptive response to conserve energy due to severe malnutrition and reduced caloric intake. This is because the body is trying to conserve as much energy as possible, and one way it does this is by slowing down the heart rate. This can be dangerous, however, as it can lead to fainting, heart failure, or even death if not properly managed.
Choice B rationale: Hyperactive bowel sounds
Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Instead, individuals with this disorder often experience constipation and other gastrointestinal issues due to inadequate food intake. The lack of food intake can slow down the digestive process, leading to these symptoms.
Choice C rationale: Dental erosion
Dental erosion can be a consequence of anorexia nervosa, but it is more commonly associated with bulimia nervosa due to the frequent vomiting that characterizes this disorder. The stomach acid that comes into contact with the teeth during vomiting can cause the enamel to erode. However, it’s important to note that not all individuals with anorexia nervosa will experience this symptom.
Choice D rationale: Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In fact, low blood pressure (hypotension) is more common due to the decreased volume of blood in the body from insufficient nutrition.
Hypertension is more commonly associated with conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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