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
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Antipsychotic medications are a class of drugs commonly used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. However, dopamine is also involved in motor control, and blocking its receptors can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
EPS are a group of movement disorders that can be caused by antipsychotic medications. They include: Akathisia: A feeling of restlessness and an inability to sit still.
Dystonia: Involuntary muscle contractions that can cause twisting or spasms.
Parkinsonism: Symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, or other body parts.
The risk of developing EPS is higher with older antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine. Newer antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and olanzapine, are less likely to cause EPS, but they can still occur.
Clients who are taking antipsychotic medications should be monitored for EPS. If EPS develop, the medication may need to be changed or the dose reduced.
Choice B rationale:
Enzymes are not known to cause EPS. They are used to treat pancreatitis by helping the body to digest food.
Choice C rationale:
Insulin is not known to cause EPS. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by helping the body to control blood sugar levels.
Choice D rationale:
Iron supplements are not known to cause EPS. They are often taken by pregnant women to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While assigning a client to a private room might seem like a way to protect their privacy and offer a calm environment, it could also create isolation and reduce opportunities for observation by staff. This could increase the risk of a subsequent suicide attempt without timely intervention.
It's essential to balance privacy with safety needs, and a private room might not always be the most appropriate choice for a client who has recently attempted suicide.
Choice B rationale:
Placing metal utensils on the client's meal tray could introduce potential weapons that could be used for self-harm. It's crucial to remove any objects that could be used for suicide attempts, including utensils, sharp objects, belts, cords, or medications.
Providing safe alternatives, such as plastic utensils, is essential to reduce the risk of harm.
Choice C rationale:
Inspecting the client's personal belongings is a critical safety measure to ensure they don't have access to items that could be used for self-harm. This includes checking for sharp objects, medications, ropes, belts, or other potential hazards.
Removing any such items is essential to create a safe environment and reduce the risk of further suicide attempts.
Choice D rationale:
Tucking bedcovers over the client's hands and arms might restrict their movement, but it doesn't address the underlying risk of suicide. It's not an effective method of preventing self-harm, and it could even cause discomfort or agitation to the client.
More direct and comprehensive safety measures, such as close observation and removal of potential hazards, are necessary.
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