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 D
Explanation
A. "Have you thought about taking a sleeping pill?”: While this response acknowledges the client's report of feeling tired, it immediately jumps to suggesting a specific solution without exploring the underlying reasons for the fatigue. It also assumes that medication is the appropriate intervention without further assessment.
B. "Your fatigue will pass, and everything will be just fine.”: This response minimizes the client's concerns and feelings by dismissing them with a vague reassurance. It does not validate the client's experience or offer practical support.
C. "Do you have a family member who can assist you?”: This response acknowledges the client's difficulty with grocery shopping and offers a practical solution by asking about available support from family members. It encourages the client to explore their support system and potential resources.
D. "Let's discuss how to get you the help you need.”: This response demonstrates empathy, validation, and a willingness to collaborate with the client to address their needs. It acknowledges the client's concerns and offers to explore solutions together, empowering the client to be actively involved in their care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “Decreased startle response to loud noises.”: Individuals with PTSD often have an exaggerated startle response to loud noises or unexpected stimuli. This heightened startle response is a common symptom of hyperarousal associated with PTSD. Therefore, a decreased startle response would be unexpected in this context.
B. “Reports uninterrupted sleep of 10 to 12 hr each night.”: Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with PTSD. Symptoms can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to the traumatic event. Therefore, reports of uninterrupted sleep for 10 to 12 hours each night would be unexpected in someone with PTSD.
C. “Reluctance to discuss the event that precipitated the distress.”: Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, or reminders is a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Individuals with PTSD often avoid discussing or thinking about the traumatic event to cope with distressing memories or emotions. Therefore, reluctance to discuss the precipitating event is a common manifestation of PTSD.
D. “Reports feelings of acute distress that began 2 weeks ago.”: PTSD symptoms typically develop shortly after experiencing a traumatic event, but the diagnosis of PTSD requires that symptoms persist for at least one month. Acute distress that began two weeks ago may indicate an acute stress reaction rather than PTSD. PTSD involves persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase of the trauma.
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