Brian is seeking treatment for PTSD following his tour of duty in a combat zone. He reports to the assessment nurse that he has been smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol daily for the past 4 days because he just can't stand feeling depressed all the time. Which of these assessments is the nurse's highest priority?
Suicide risk assessment
Neurological assessment
Amount of current cannabis use
Marital status
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Given Brian's recent substance use and expression of not being able to tolerate depressive feelings, a suicide risk assessment is the highest priority to ensure his immediate safety.
Choice B reason: While a neurological assessment may be relevant, it is not the highest priority when there is a potential risk of suicide.
Choice C reason: Assessing the amount of current cannabis use is important but secondary to evaluating the risk of suicide.
Choice D reason: Marital status may inform social support but is not the highest priority in the context of potential self-harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assertiveness training is not a direct intervention for situational phobias, although it may help improve overall confidence.
Choice B reason: Systematic desensitization is a common technique used to treat phobias, where the client is gradually exposed to the fear-inducing situation in a controlled manner.

Choice C reason: Flooding is an exposure technique where the client is exposed to a high level of fear-inducing stimuli all at once, which can be effective for some phobias.
Choice D reason: Decatastrophizing helps clients challenge and change catastrophic thoughts that often accompany phobias.
Choice E reason: Simply reminding a person to calm down is not a therapeutic technique and is unlikely to be effective for someone with a situational phobia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Given Brian's recent substance use and expression of not being able to tolerate depressive feelings, a suicide risk assessment is the highest priority to ensure his immediate safety.
Choice B reason: While a neurological assessment may be relevant, it is not the highest priority when there is a potential risk of suicide.
Choice C reason: Assessing the amount of current cannabis use is important but secondary to evaluating the risk of suicide.
Choice D reason: Marital status may inform social support but is not the highest priority in the context of potential self-harm.
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