A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that her partner has died by suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first
Refer the client to a support group for survivors of suicide
Offer to contact the client’s family or support system
Inform the client that feelings of guilt are often felt by survivors of suicide
Determine the clients understanding of the suicide events
The Correct Answer is D
A. Refer the client to a support group for survivors of suicide: While support groups can be valuable resources for individuals who have lost loved ones to suicide, it may not be the most immediate or appropriate action to take first. The client may not be ready to engage in group support until her immediate needs are addressed.
B. Offer to contact the client’s family or support system: This option demonstrates empathy and practical support by offering assistance in reaching out to the client's family or support system. It can help ensure that the client has immediate emotional support and assistance with practical matters.
C. Inform the client that feelings of guilt are often felt by survivors of suicide: While providing information about common experiences of survivors of suicide can be helpful, it may not be the most immediate action to take first. The client's emotional needs and immediate concerns should be addressed before discussing broader aspects of grief and guilt.
D. Determine the client's understanding of the suicide events: This option involves assessing the client's understanding of the circumstances surrounding the suicide. Understanding the client's immediate thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the event is essential for providing appropriate support and intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client states that he has developed sudden hearing loss: This could potentially be an example of somatization, where psychological distress is expressed through physical symptoms. However, sudden hearing loss alone might not specifically indicate regression.
B. The client states that his partner will not visit because they are too busy with their job: This statement does not directly suggest regression. It appears to be an explanation or justification for the partner's behavior.
C. The client yells obscenities at the nurse: Yelling obscenities could indicate frustration or anger, but it does not necessarily suggest regression. It could be a response to the current situation rather than a regressive behavior.
D. The client stomps his feet and throws objects off the bedside table: This behavior could indicate regression. Stomping feet and throwing objects are more characteristic of childish or immature behavior, which suggests a regression to an earlier stage of emotional development.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Orthostatic hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, is a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants. TCAs can block the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to decreased vascular tone and subsequent orthostatic hypotension.
B. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not typically associated with tricyclic antidepressants. In fact, constipation is a more common gastrointestinal adverse effect of TCAs due to their anticholinergic properties, which can slow down bowel motility.
C. Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is not a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants. Instead, TCAs may cause sedation or drowsiness due to their antihistamine properties.
D. Increased urinary output: Tricyclic antidepressants can cause urinary retention rather than increased urinary output. Anticholinergic effects of TCAs can lead to urinary hesitancy, difficulty initiating urination, or retention, particularly in individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
A. Orthostatic hypotension: Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, is a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants. TCAs can block the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to decreased vascular tone and subsequent orthostatic hypotension.
B. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not typically associated with tricyclic antidepressants. In fact, constipation is a more common gastrointestinal adverse effect of TCAs due to their anticholinergic properties, which can slow down bowel motility.
C. Hyperactivity: Hyperactivity is not a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants. Instead, TCAs may cause sedation or drowsiness due to their antihistamine properties.
D. Increased urinary output: Tricyclic antidepressants can cause urinary retention rather than increased urinary output. Anticholinergic effects of TCAs can lead to urinary hesitancy, difficulty initiating urination, or retention, particularly in individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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