Which is the priority initial assessment for a patient who is admitted to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery with general anesthesia?

A. To ensure that the medication is covered by insurance: Insurance coverage is not related to black box warnings.

B. To inform healthcare providers and consumers of potentially dangerous side effects: A black box warning is the strongest safety warning issued by the FDA, highlighting serious, potentially life-threatening risks of a medication.

C. To indicate that the medication is safe for all individuals to use: A black box warning indicates increased risks, not universal safety.

D. To promote the use of the medication for off-label purposes: Black box warnings do not encourage off-label use; they warn against potential dangers.

A. Allow the client time alone to self-reflect.: Suicidal clients should not be left alone. They require immediate assessment and intervention.

B. Reassure the client that everything is going to work out.: Offering false reassurance can invalidate the client’s feelings and may discourage further discussion of their distress.

C. Ask the client about the lethality of their plan.: The nurse should assess the specifics of the client’s plan to determine the level of risk. A detailed, lethal plan indicates a higher suicide risk and requires immediate intervention.

D. Encourage the client to focus on the positive aspects of life.: While positive reinforcement is helpful, it does not address the immediate risk of suicide. The nurse should prioritize risk assessment and safety.