A nurse in a community clinic is speaking to a parent who expresses concern for her adolescent son.
Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
“He spends much of his time with his school friends.”
“He has slept 9 hours each night for the past 2 years.”
“He is very religious and attends services twice a week.”
“His basketball coach committed suicide last month.”
The Correct Answer is D
A rationale:
Spending time with friends can be a protective factor against suicide, as it provides social support and connection.
While isolation can be a risk factor, spending time with friends does not inherently indicate suicide risk.
It's important to assess the quality of relationships and the presence of other risk factors.
Choice B rationale:
Regular sleep patterns often indicate healthy mental health.
Significant changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little) can be warning signs, but consistent sleep of 9 hours is not typically a concern.
It's essential to evaluate sleep quality and any recent changes.
Choice C rationale:
Religious involvement can provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and support, which can be protective against suicide.
While it's not a guarantee of protection, it's generally a positive factor.
It's crucial to assess the individual's level of engagement and any potential conflicts within their religious beliefs.
Choice D rationale:
Exposure to suicide, especially in a close connection like a coach, can significantly increase a person's risk for suicide.
It can lead to normalization of suicide as a coping mechanism, imitation of behavior, or triggering of underlying mental health issues.
This is a strong risk factor that warrants immediate attention and assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ideas of reference are a type of delusion in which a person believes that unrelated events, objects, or actions in the environment have personal significance or meaning specifically directed towards them. In this case, the client with schizophrenia misinterpreted the group's laughter as mockery directed specifically at them, even though the story was unrelated to them.
Here's a detailed explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Grandeur:
Grandiosity involves an inflated sense of self-importance, power, or identity. It's not evident in this scenario, as the client isn't expressing beliefs of exceptional abilities or status. C. Somatic delusion:
Somatic delusions focus on bodily functions or sensations, such as believing organs are rotting or insects are crawling under the skin. The client's outburst isn't related to bodily concerns. D. Erotomania:
Erotomania is a delusion where a person believes someone of higher status is in love with them. It's not applicable in this situation as the client's belief isn't about romantic interest.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Telling the client to work hard to stay on the schedule does not address the underlying reasons for the client's difficulty in following a medication regimen and may come off as dismissive.
Choice B rationale: Saying not to worry about the past does not acknowledge the client's concerns and may not provide practical assistance for future adherence.
Choice C rationale: Offering reassurance without addressing the client's past challenges does not provide a concrete plan for improving adherence.
Choice D rationale: Asking the client why they find it difficult to take medications opens a dialogue that allows the nurse to understand the client's specific barriers and to provide tailored strategies to improve adherence. This response is empathetic and solution-focused.
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