It has been 5 days since a suicidal patient was hospitalized and prescribed an antidepressant medication. The patient is now more talkative and shows increased energy. Select the highest priority nursing intervention.
Consider discontinuation of suicide precautions.
Supervise the patient 24 hours a day.
Begin discharge planning for the patient.
Refer the patient to art and music therapists
The Correct Answer is B
A. Suicide precautions should never be discontinued at this time; in fact, suicide risk is highest when energy improves before mood fully stabilizes.
B. Increased energy after starting antidepressants raises suicide risk, as the patient may now have the ability to act on suicidal thoughts. Continuous supervision is the priority for safety.
C. Discharge planning is premature at this stage; safety comes first.
D. Art and music therapy may be beneficial long-term but do not address the immediate suicide risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Distinguishing between reality and fantasy shows intact cognition, not mental illness.
B. A persistent sad, hopeless mood suggests depression, a hallmark of mental illness when symptoms are severe and ongoing.
C. Occasional anxiety and insomnia can be normal stress responses, not necessarily mental illness.
D. Difficulty making a decision about work is a common life stressor, not a clear sign of mental illness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This focuses on problem-solving rather than acknowledging the patient’s feelings, which is not empathy.
B. This expresses the nurse’s feelings, not the patient’s, so it reflects sympathy rather than empathy.
C. This statement acknowledges the patient’s emotional experience and communicates understanding from the patient’s perspective, which demonstrates empathy.
D. This is judgmental and dismissive, showing neither empathy nor support.
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