A nurse is assessing a patient with suicidal ideation. Which statement made by the patient requires immediate intervention?

The correct answer is A. Monitoring the client’s access to lethal means, C. Providing the client with a detailed plan for coping, and D. Collaborating with the client’s family and friends.

Choice A rationale:

Monitoring the client’s access to lethal means is crucial to prevent any immediate risk of self-harm. This includes removing or securing items that could be used for suicide, such as medications, sharp objects, or firearms.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to isolate themselves for self-reflection is not advisable. Isolation can increase feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, which may exacerbate suicidal ideation.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the client with a detailed plan for coping helps them manage their thoughts and emotions more effectively. This plan can include strategies for dealing with stress, identifying triggers, and knowing when and how to seek help.

Choice D rationale:

Collaborating with the client’s family and friends is essential for creating a support network. Involving loved ones can provide the client with emotional support and help monitor their well-being.

Choice E rationale:

Administering sedative medications to keep the client calm is not a primary intervention for suicidal ideation. While medication may be part of a broader treatment plan, it should not be the sole strategy for ensuring safety.

Choice A rationale:

Identifying and challenging positive thoughts is a cognitive-behavioral strategy that can be beneficial for managing mental health, but it is not the top priority in suicide prevention education. While it contributes to overall emotional well-being, recognizing signs of suicide risk is more directly relevant to preventing self-harm.

Choice B rationale:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of suicide risk is crucial for early intervention and support. Educating clients and their families about these signs, such as increased isolation, giving away possessions, or talking about death, enables them to identify when someone might be in danger and take appropriate action.

Choice C rationale:

Promoting alcohol consumption as a stress-relieving strategy is inappropriate in a suicide prevention context. Alcohol can exacerbate emotional distress and impair judgment, potentially leading to impulsive behaviors, including self-harm. This choice goes against safe and effective strategies for managing distress.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging isolation during times of distress is counterproductive and potentially harmful. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation and actions. Connecting with a support network is a more appropriate recommendation during times of distress.