A nurse in a well-child clinic receives a phone call from the parent of an adolescent client. The parent states. "I think my son might try to kill himself." Which of the following statements by the parent is the priority for the nurse to investigate further?
“I can hear him crying in the middle of the night.”
"He spends most of his time locked in his room.”
“He refuses to go to the movies with his friends.”
“I noticed several cutting marks on both of his arms.”
The Correct Answer is D
A. “I can hear him crying in the middle of the night.”: While this statement indicates distress, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk of suicide. Crying can be a symptom of various emotional or psychological issues, but it does not provide direct evidence of suicidal intent.
B. "He spends most of his time locked in his room.”: Social withdrawal or isolating oneself from others can be a warning sign of depression or other mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. However, it alone may not indicate imminent risk of suicide.
C. “He refuses to go to the movies with his friends.”: Social withdrawal or a decline in interest in previously enjoyed activities can also be indicators of depression or other mental health concerns. However, like spending time alone, it does not provide direct evidence of suicidal intent.
D. “I noticed several cutting marks on both of his arms.”: This statement is the most concerning and indicates a potential self-harm behavior. Self-harm, such as cutting, can be a significant risk factor for suicide, especially if the behavior escalates or if the individual expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a.Spending equal time with clients regardless of their insurance status: This situation relates more to justice, ensuring fairness and equality in client care, rather than fidelity.
b.This scenario represents the principle of veracity, which involves providing truthful and accurate information to clients. It ensures that clients are fully informed and can give informed consent regarding their treatment.
c.Respecting the decision of clients to refuse to participate in group therapy:Fidelityrefers to the duty to be loyal, faithful, and keep promises. It involves maintaining trust and being reliable in our interactions with clients. This situation aligns with fidelity. Respecting a client's decision to refuse treatment, even if it's something the nurse believes would be beneficial, demonstrates fidelity to the client's autonomy and their right to make choices about their care.
d.This situation reflects the principle of beneficence, which involves taking actions to benefit clients, including continuing education to improve client care and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Initiate one-to-one observation: This intervention involves assigning a staff member to directly observe and monitor the client continuously. It is crucial in ensuring the client's safety, particularly after a suicide attempt, as it helps prevent further harm or self-injury. Therefore, initiating one-to-one observation is the priority intervention.
B. Encourage the client to participate in group activities: Group activities may be beneficial for the client's overall well-being and recovery, but they are not the priority immediately after a suicide attempt. Safety and stabilization take precedence.
C. Administer an antidepressant: While antidepressant medication is an essential component of treatment for major depressive disorder, initiating medication is not the priority at this moment. The client's safety and stabilization should be addressed first before starting pharmacological treatment.
D. Set up a time for individual meetings with the client: Individual meetings and therapeutic interventions are important for addressing the client's mental health needs, but they are not the priority immediately after a suicide attempt. Safety measures should be implemented first.
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