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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Clients who are admitted involuntarily cannot be hospitalized for as long as the provider deems necessary. There are legal and ethical guidelines that dictate the length and conditions of involuntary hospitalization. These guidelines vary by jurisdiction, but they generally require periodic review and reevaluation of the client’s condition and the necessity of continued hospitalization.
Choice B rationale: Clients cannot be given medications against their will under normal circumstances. Informed consent is a fundamental right in healthcare, including mental health care. This means that clients have the right to be fully informed about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of a proposed treatment, and to make an informed decision about whether to accept or refuse the treatment. There are exceptions in emergency situations where the client poses an immediate danger to self or others, but these are governed by strict legal and ethical guidelines.
Choice C rationale: Clients who are involuntarily admitted do have the right to informed consent. This means that even if a client is admitted to a mental health facility against their will, they still have the right to be informed about their treatment and to make decisions about their care. This includes the right to be informed about the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of proposed treatments, and the right to refuse treatment.
Choice D rationale: The laws regarding restraints are not different for clients who are admitted involuntarily. Restraints can only be used as a last resort when less restrictive interventions have failed and the client poses an immediate danger to self or others. The use of restraints is governed by strict legal and ethical guidelines, and these apply to all clients, regardless of whether they were admitted voluntarily or involuntarily.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Deflecting the client's concerns to the physician dismisses the client's immediate need for emotional support and therapeutic communication.
It can hinder the development of a trusting nurse-client relationship.
The nurse is responsible for addressing the client's psychosocial needs, not solely deferring them to other healthcare professionals.
Choice B rationale:
Offering false reassurance is inappropriate and potentially harmful. It can erode trust if the client's fears are later realized.
It minimizes the client's legitimate concerns and invalidates their emotional experience.
Choice C rationale:
While lifestyle modifications are essential for managing coronary artery disease, providing unsolicited advice at this moment disregards the client's emotional distress.
It prioritizes physical health over the client's psychological well-being. It can be perceived as dismissive of the client's fears and concerns.
Choice D rationale:
Inviting the client to elaborate on their fears demonstrates active listening and encourages therapeutic communication. It validates the client's concerns and shows empathy for their emotional experience.
It provides an opportunity to assess the client's understanding of their condition and identify specific fears or misconceptions. It establishes a foundation for exploring coping mechanisms and providing appropriate support and education.
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