A depressed patient says, "nothing matters anymore." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Try to stay hopeful. Things have a way of working out."
"Are you having thoughts of suicide?"
"Tell me more about what interested you before you became depressed."
"I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Offering platitudes can minimize the patient’s feelings and may shut down further disclosure.
B. Directly asking about suicidal thoughts is the most important and therapeutic response because the statement expresses hopelessness, a major risk factor for suicide. This question assesses immediate safety and guides next steps (ask about intent, plan, means; implement suicide precautions and notify the provider as indicated).
C. Exploring past interests can be therapeutic later, but it does not address the immediate safety concern suggested by the patient’s hopeless statement.
D. Saying you don’t understand is vague and avoids addressing the potential crisis; a direct, nonjudgmental assessment of suicidal ideation is required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Magical thinking involves belief that one has special powers or that thoughts/actions can influence unrelated events. Claiming an ability to decode DNA by sight reflects an irrational belief in a special, unrealistic power.
B. Ideas of reference are the belief that neutral events (TV, conversations) refer specifically to oneself; that is not described here.
C. Visual hallucinations are false sensory perceptions (seeing things that aren't there); the statement describes a belief about an ability, not a sensory experience.
D. Thought insertion is the delusional belief that others are putting thoughts into one’s mind; the patient is claiming a personal ability, not externally implanted thoughts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of care and resources. The nurse is concerned about whether patients exhibiting similar behaviors (self-mutilation) are being treated consistently and fairly, which directly relates to the principle of justice.
B. Fidelity involves keeping promises and commitments to patients, which is not the primary concern in this scenario.
C. Beneficence involves acting in the patient’s best interest to promote well-being. While relevant to care decisions, the main ethical issue here is fairness between patients.
D. Autonomy involves respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions, which is not the central issue in comparing the care of two patients.
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