A nurse is performing a psychosocial assessment on an adolescent client.
Which of the following should indicate to the nurse a potential risk for suicide? (Select all that apply)
Recent or impending move
Sudden decline in school performance
Death of a parent at a young age
Low parental expectations.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
The correct answer/s is Choices A, B, and C.
Choice A Rationale:
Recent or impending moves can be a significant stressor for adolescents, disrupting their social networks, routines, and sense of belonging. This disruption can exacerbate existing mental health problems or trigger new ones, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. Studies have shown that adolescents who relocate are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, all of which are risk factors for suicide. Additionally, the feeling of loss and displacement associated with moving can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, further increasing the risk.
Choice B Rationale:
A sudden decline in school performance can be a sign of underlying emotional distress in adolescents. This decline may be due to depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems that can impede concentration, motivation, and overall academic functioning. Suicidal ideation or behavior can also lead to a decline in school performance as the adolescent withdraws from their usual activities and struggles to cope with their emotions. Therefore, a sudden drop in grades or academic engagement should raise a red flag for the nurse and warrant further investigation into the adolescent's emotional well-being.
Choice C Rationale:
The death of a parent at a young age is a major life event that can have a profound impact on an adolescent's emotional and psychological development. This loss can lead to feelings of grief, sadness, anger, and isolation, all of which are risk factors for suicide. Additionally, adolescents who lose a parent may be more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, further increasing their vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The nurse should be particularly concerned if the death of the parent was recent or if the adolescent has not adequately processed their grief.
Choice D Rationale:
While low parental expectations can be a negative influence on an adolescent's self-esteem and motivation, it is not directly linked to an increased risk of suicide. In fact, some studies have suggested that high parental expectations can be equally detrimental to adolescent mental health. Therefore, while low parental expectations may not be a standalone risk factor for suicide, it is important to consider this factor in the context of the adolescent's overall psychosocial assessment.
Summary:
A recent or impending move, a sudden decline in school performance, and the death of a parent at a young age are all significant stressors that can increase the risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in adolescents. The nurse should be alert to these warning signs and conduct a thorough psychosocial assessment to identify any underlying mental health issues or risk factors. Early intervention and support can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and help adolescents cope with these challenging life events.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Potassium level A therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa would be indicated by a normal potassium level. Anorexia nervosa often leads to electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, due to inadequate food intake and, in some cases, purging behaviors. Therefore, a normal potassium level can indicate that the client is responding well to the treatment plan, as it suggests they are maintaining a more balanced diet and managing their symptoms effectively.
Choice B rationale: Temperature While body temperature can be affected by severe malnutrition, it is not a specific indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor, it is not a definitive sign of improvement or recovery.
Choice C rationale: ECG report An ECG report can indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. This is because anorexia nervosa can lead to heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythms. Therefore, a normal ECG report can suggest that the client’s heart health is improving, which can be a sign that they are responding well to the treatment plan.
Choice D rationale: BUN level While the BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level can provide information about hydration status and kidney function, it is not a specific indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor, it is not a definitive sign of improvement or recovery.
Choice E rationale: BMI BMI (Body Mass Index) is a key indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a significantly low body weight, and one of the main goals of treatment is weight restoration. Therefore, an increase in BMI can indicate that the client is gaining weight and responding well to the treatment plan.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer(s) is/are:
C. Telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt.
Rationale:
Choice A: Planning to give his Xbox console to his best friend.
While giving away possessions can be a sign of hopelessness or detachment, in this case, it could also be interpreted as a gesture of closure or wanting to leave something meaningful behind for a loved one. It doesn't necessarily indicate ongoing suicidal intent.
Choice B: Stating that he wants to be with his peers more than with his parents.
This desire for social connection and autonomy is actually a positive sign in a post-suicidal attempt adolescent. It demonstrates a shift towards seeking support from outside the family unit and engaging with life beyond the immediate aftermath of the attempt.
Choice C: Telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt. This reluctance to discuss the attempt can be a red flag for several reasons:
Avoidance: Suppressing or avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the attempt can indicate a struggle to cope with the emotional trauma and potentially harboring lingering suicidal ideation.
Isolation: Withdrawing from open communication about the event can isolate the adolescent further, hindering the support system and potentially increasing the risk of reattempt.
Underlying distress: The inability to talk about the event may suggest unresolved emotional distress, unresolved conflicts, or ongoing stressors that could contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Therefore, while not wanting to talk doesn't definitively signify current suicidal intent, it warrants further exploration by the nurse to understand the underlying reasons behind the avoidance and ensure appropriate support and safety measures are in place.
Choice D: Preferring to eat his meals while watching TV.
This behavior is relatively neutral and doesn't directly suggest ongoing suicidal intent. While it might indicate depression or low motivation, it's not a specific indicator of suicide risk.
Conclusion:
Based on the rationale above, "telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt" (Choice C) is the most concerning behavior that suggests the adolescent might still have suicidal intent. It's crucial for the nurse to address this reluctance with empathy and understanding, exploring the underlying reasons and ensuring continued monitoring and support for the adolescent.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
