A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that their 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 client's understanding of the suicide events.
The Correct Answer is D
A reason: Refer the client to a support group for survivors of suicide. While referring the client to a support group is important for long-term support, it is not the immediate priority in this acute moment of grief.
B reason: Offer to contact the client's family or support system. Offering to contact family or support systems is supportive but not the first priority. The nurse should first assess the client's immediate emotional and cognitive state.
C reason: Inform the client that feelings of guilt are often felt by survivors of suicide. Providing information about common feelings of guilt can be helpful, but the nurse should first understand the client's current state and their specific needs.
D reason: Determine the client's understanding of the suicide events. The first priority is to assess the client's understanding and emotional response to the news. This helps the nurse provide appropriate support and address any immediate misconceptions or distress.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
A reason: Hallucinations. Hallucinations can be distressing and are associated with various mental health conditions, but they are not a direct indicator of suicide risk without other contributing factors.
B reason: Depression. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Clients experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in life are at a higher risk for attempting suicide.
C reason: Delusions. Delusions, particularly those that are paranoid or nihilistic, can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide attempts.
D reason: Catatonia. Catatonia involves motor immobility and behavioral abnormality. While it is a serious condition requiring treatment, it is not a direct indicator of suicide risk without other contributing factors.
E reason: Tinnitus. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is not associated with an increased risk of suicide. It is a physical symptom that does not directly influence suicidal behavior.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A reason: Dissociation. Dissociation involves a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. The inability to recall details of a traumatic event is a common dissociative response in PTSD, where the mind separates from the distressing experience.
B reason: Rationalization. Rationalization involves creating a logical explanation to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. It does not involve memory loss or detachment from the event, making it an incorrect choice in this context.
C reason: Undoing. Undoing is a defense mechanism where a person tries to reverse or undo feelings by doing something that indicates the opposite feeling. It does not involve forgetting or dissociating from traumatic events.
D reason: Reaction formation. Reaction formation involves expressing the opposite behavior or emotion of what one truly feels. It does not involve memory loss or dissociation from the traumatic event, making it an incorrect choice in this context.
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