A charge nurse is discussing suicide interventions with nursing staff. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an example of secondary intervention?

In this scenario, a priority action for the nurse is to ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry raise concerns about the possibility of postpartum depression, which is a serious mental health condition that can affect new mothers. In some cases, postpartum depression can lead to thoughts of harming oneself or the newborn. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's risk and ensure the safety of both the client and her baby.

Incorrect:

A- Reinforce postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching: While reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important aspect of care, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry suggest the possibility of postpartum depression. The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional well-being and assessing for potential risks, rather than focusing on routine postpartum and newborn care teaching.

B- Anticipate a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant: While medication may be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, it is not the priority action at this stage. The nurse should first assess the client's condition, including the severity of her symptoms and any potential risk of harm to herself or her newborn. Initiating a discussion about medication can come later, in collaboration with the healthcare provider and based on a comprehensive assessment.

C- Assist the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises: While supporting the client's family and identifying positive coping skills are important, they are not the priority in this scenario. The immediate concern is addressing the client's symptoms and assessing for potential risks associated with postpartum depression. Once the client's immediate safety and emotional needs are addressed, the nurse can involve the family in the care plan and help them identify and utilize positive coping strategies.

Heroin is an opioid drug that depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. This means that heroin can slow down a person's breathing rate, potentially leading to shallow breathing or even stopping of breathing altogether. This is a life-threatening complication and one of the most significant dangers of heroin use.

The other options listed are associated with other substances or conditions:

A- Nasal septum perforation is commonly associated with the use of cocaine, not heroin.

C- Acute pancreatitis is not a commonly reported complication of heroin use.

D- Permanent short-term memory loss is not a specific complication of heroin use, though chronic substance abuse can lead to cognitive impairments and memory problems in general.