A nurse is assessing a client for potential suicidal ideation. The client says, "I've been thinking a lot about death lately. I wonder what it's like to not exist anymore." What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?
"You shouldn't dwell on those thoughts. They're not healthy.".
"I can see that you're feeling down, but these thoughts will pass.".
"Tell me more about what you're experiencing.".
"Just remember that things will get better soon.".
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Dismissing the client's thoughts and labeling them as unhealthy might cause the client to feel judged or reluctant to share further. It's important to approach the situation with openness and empathy.
Choice B rationale:
While it's true that the client's thoughts might pass, this response doesn't address the client's feelings or encourage them to express themselves. It's important to engage in a more in-depth conversation to understand their emotions.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences opens the door for meaningful conversation and assessment. This response shows genuine interest in the client's well-being and allows the nurse to gather more information to determine the appropriate level of support.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client that things will get better soon might come across as dismissive of their current struggles. It's important to validate their emotions and explore their feelings further rather than offering premature reassurances.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client has a subjective state with limited personal choices.
Choice A rationale:
The client is at risk for self-inflicted, life-threatening injury. This choice does not accurately define the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." While it is true that hopelessness can lead to self-harm or suicide, the nursing diagnosis focuses on the client's emotional state and personal choices rather than the immediate risk of injury.
Choice B rationale:
The client has a subjective state with limited personal choices. This choice accurately defines the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." Hopelessness refers to the client's emotional state of feeling devoid of hope, often resulting in a perceived lack of personal choices and options. This sense of hopelessness can contribute to feelings of despair and potentially suicidal ideation.
Choice C rationale:
The client is unable to cope with stressors. This choice is not the most accurate definition of "Hopelessness." While hopelessness can certainly impact a client's ability to cope with stressors, the primary focus of the diagnosis is on the subjective emotional state and perceived lack of choices, rather than their coping abilities.
Choice D rationale:
The client experiences compromised family coping. This choice is not directly related to the nursing diagnosis of "Hopelessness." Family coping refers to how a family unit manages stressors together, whereas hopelessness pertains to an individual's emotional state and perceived choices.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Active listening. Active listening is an important communication skill that involves attentively hearing and interpreting what the patient is saying. However, it doesn't specifically address the aspect of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing.
Choice B rationale:
Empowerment. Empowerment refers to the process of enabling and supporting patients to take control of their own health and make informed decisions. While this is an essential aspect of patient care, it doesn't directly address the skill of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts without expressing agreement or disagreement.
Choice C rationale:
Validation. Validation involves recognizing and accepting the patient's feelings and thoughts as valid, even if you don't share the same perspective. It shows empathy and understanding without passing judgment. In the context of a patient with suicidal ideation, validation is crucial as it helps build trust and rapport, creating an environment where the patient feels heard and supported.
Choice D rationale:
Open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are inquiries that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and encourage patients to provide more detailed responses. While they are valuable for eliciting information, they don't specifically address the act of acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without taking a stance.
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