Which group is at the highest risk for suicide?

Choice A rationale
Rejecting is a non-therapeutic communication technique where the nurse refuses to discuss certain topics with the patient. In this case, the nurse telling the patient not to talk about her history of childhood sexual abuse is an example of rejecting. This approach can make the patient feel unheard or invalidated, which can hinder the therapeutic relationship and impede the patient’s healing process.
Choice B rationale
Providing inadequate responses is another non-therapeutic communication technique. It involves giving vague or insufficient responses to the patient’s concerns or questions. However, in this scenario, the nurse is not providing an inadequate response but rather refusing to engage in the conversation altogether, which is more aligned with rejecting.
Choice C rationale
Being judgmental is a non-therapeutic communication technique where the nurse makes negative judgments or evaluations about the patient. In this scenario, the nurse is not making any judgments about the patient or her experiences. Instead, the nurse is avoiding the topic, which is indicative of rejecting.
Choice D rationale
Failing to probe is a non-therapeutic communication technique that involves not seeking further information from the patient, thereby missing important details. While the nurse in this scenario is not seeking more information about the patient’s history, the behavior is more accurately described as rejecting because the nurse is actively discouraging the patient from discussing her experiences.

Choice A rationale
Expressing understanding and empathy is generally the most appropriate response when a patient is expressing anger or distress about a personal situation. It validates the patient’s feelings and shows that the healthcare provider is listening and cares about their well-being.
Choice B rationale
Telling the patient to “look on the bright side” could be perceived as dismissive of her feelings. It’s important to acknowledge her feelings of anger and allow her to express them.
Choice C rationale
Saying “I know exactly how you feel” can come across as presumptuous. Even if the healthcare provider has experienced a similar situation, everyone’s experiences and feelings are unique.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that many people experience strong feelings after a divorce, stating this might not be helpful to the patient in the moment. It’s more important to acknowledge her individual feelings and experience.