Which statement provides the best rationale for why a nurse should closely monitor a severely depressed client during antidepressant therapy?
"As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide."
"Suicide may be precipitated by a variety of internal and external events."
"Suicidal clients have difficulty using social supports."
"Suicide is an impulsive act that has no warning."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide." This statement highlights a critical consideration in the care of severely depressed clients. When a client's depression starts to improve due to antidepressant therapy, there may be a period where they have increased energy but have not yet gained full relief from their depressive thoughts. This can potentially increase the risk of carrying out suicidal thoughts or plans.
B. "Suicide may be precipitated by a variety of internal and external events." While this statement is true, it does not specifically address the importance of monitoring a client during antidepressant therapy.
C. "Suicidal clients have difficulty using social supports." This statement acknowledges a potential challenge for clients who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, but it does not directly relate to the need for close monitoring during antidepressant therapy.
D. "Suicide is an impulsive act that has no warning." This statement is not entirely accurate. While some suicides can be impulsive, many individuals give warning signs or exhibit changes in behavior before attempting suicide.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Placing the client on one-on-one observation while monitoring for suicidal ideations Given that the client is experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding self harm and is refusing to commit to a safety plan, one-on-one observation is necessary to ensure the client's safety. This
intervention provides constant monitoring and allows for immediate intervention if self harm is attempted.
B. Conducting 15minute checks to ensure safety While conducting regular safety checks is
important, in this case, more continuous monitoring is required due to the severity of the client's symptoms.
C. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings related to suicide While encouraging communication is essential, in this urgent situation, immediate safety measures take precedence.
D. Completing a room search to ensure there are no harmful objects available to the client
Ensuring the environment is safe is important, but it should be done in conjunction with one-on- one observation to provide the highest level of safety for the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Delusions of reference involve a belief that everyday events, objects, or other people have a particular and unusual significance. This is not described in the scenario.
B) Incorrect. Tangentiality is a thought disorder where the individual goes off on tangents and never returns to the original point or idea. This is not described in the scenario.
C) Incorrect. Neologism refers to the creation of new words or phrases that have meaning only to the person using them. This is not described in the scenario.
D) Correct. Loose associations are characterized by a disruption in the logical progression of thought, where thoughts become disorganized and may seem unrelated or loosely connected.
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