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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

Choice A: While offering hope and highlighting potential positives can be important in supporting someone with depression, this statement feels dismissive of the client's current experience and minimizes the intensity of their feelings. It could inadvertently make them feel unheard and misunderstood.

Choice B: While acknowledging the commonality of these feelings in depression is important for normalization, it can feel impersonal and fail to address the individual's specific struggles. It focuses on the diagnosis rather than the person's unique experience.

Choice D: Asking "why" can feel interrogative and put pressure on the client to explain their complex emotions. The focus should be on actively listening and validating their feelings rather than seeking justifications.

Choice C: This response demonstrates active listening and reflects back the client's core feeling (lack of meaning) without judgment. It shows empathy and opens the door for further exploration of their thoughts and emotions. It encourages the client to elaborate on their experience and potentially identify areas where meaning can be rediscovered.

Elaboration:

Suicide ideation and attempts are often linked to feelings of hopelessness and a perceived lack of value or purpose in life. When caring for someone with major depressive disorder who has expressed these thoughts, the primary goal is to establish safety and create a space for open communication.

Using therapeutic communication techniques like reflection, validation, and open-ended s allows the nurse to build trust and rapport with the client. Reflecting their feelings, as in Choice C, demonstrates understanding and helps the client feel heard and accepted. This can be a crucial step in reducing their distress and fostering a sense of hope and possibility.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, the nurse can encourage the client to explore their thoughts and feelings about their life and identify potential sources of meaning and hope. This can be a vital step in their journey towards recovery and well-being.

A. Currently pregnant. B. Schizophrenia. C. Alcohol use disorder. D. Substance use disorder. E. Currently married. F. Age greater than 65 years old.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]

Explanation

Choice B rationale:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that is characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. It is associated with an increased risk of suicide, with estimates suggesting that up to 10% of individuals with schizophrenia will die by suicide.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide in individuals with schizophrenia, including:

Hopelessness and despair: Individuals with schizophrenia often experience profound feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Psychotic symptoms: Psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, can also contribute to suicide risk. For example, an individual with schizophrenia may experience auditory hallucinations that command them to harm themselves.

Impaired judgment: Schizophrenia can impair an individual's judgment and decision-making abilities, which can make it more difficult for them to resist suicidal urges.

Social isolation: Individuals with schizophrenia often experience social isolation, which can further increase their risk of suicide.

Comorbidity with other mental disorders: Schizophrenia is often comorbid with other mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can also increase suicide risk.

Substance abuse: Substance abuse is a common problem among individuals with schizophrenia, and it can further increase suicide risk.

Choice C rationale:

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, despite harmful consequences. It is a significant risk factor for suicide, with studies suggesting that individuals with alcohol use disorder are 10-14 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide in individuals with alcohol use disorder, including: Depression: Alcohol use disorder is often comorbid with depression, which is a major risk factor for suicide. Impulsivity: Alcohol can impair judgment and increase impulsivity, which can lead to suicidal behaviors.

Social isolation: Alcohol use disorder can lead to social isolation, which can increase suicide risk.

Access to lethal means: Individuals with alcohol use disorder may have access to lethal means, such as firearms, which can increase the risk of suicide completion.

Choice D rationale:

Substance use disorder is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug use, despite harmful consequences. It is a significant risk factor for suicide, with studies suggesting that individuals with substance use disorder are 6-12 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide in individuals with substance use disorder, including: Depression: Substance use disorder is often comorbid with depression, which is a major risk factor for suicide. Impulsivity: Substance use can impair judgment and increase impulsivity, which can lead to suicidal behaviors.

Hopelessness: Individuals with substance use disorder may experience feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can increase suicide risk.

Social isolation: Substance use disorder can lead to social isolation, which can increase suicide risk.

Access to lethal means: Individuals with substance use disorder may have access to lethal means, such as firearms, which can increase the risk of suicide completion.

Choice F rationale:

Age greater than 65 years old is a risk factor for suicide. Suicide rates are highest among older adults, particularly white men over the age of 85.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide in older adults, including:

Chronic health conditions: Older adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as pain, disability, and cognitive decline, which can increase suicide risk.

Social isolation: Older adults are more likely to experience social isolation due to factors such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and decreased mobility.

Loss of independence: Older adults may experience a loss of independence due to physical and cognitive decline, which can contribute to suicide risk.

Access to lethal means: Older adults may have access to lethal means, such as firearms or medications, which can increase the risk of suicide completion.

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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)

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and attempted suicide.The client tells the nurse, "I should have died because I am totally worthless." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing a community health education class about suicide prevention.Which of the following should the nurse identify as risk factors for suicide? (Select all that apply).

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F"]

Explanation

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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)