A nurse is conducting an assessment for a patient with suicidal ideation. Which skill involves acknowledging the patient's feelings and thoughts as real and understandable without agreeing or disagreeing with them?

Choice A rationale:

This statement is not accurate. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is not focused on assessing suicide-related thoughts and behaviors in the past year. Instead, it is designed to assess the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior over a specified time frame.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is not accurate. The C-SSRS is not a self-report questionnaire for depression and suicidal ideation in the past two weeks. It is a structured interview that involves a series of questions and prompts administered by a trained clinician to assess the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is accurate. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) guides the evaluation and triage of patients with suicidal ideation or behavior based on five steps: Determining the presence of active suicidal ideation. Assessing the intensity of ideation. Examining the presence and severity of any preparatory behavior. Evaluating the level of intent to die. Determining the lethality of the suicide plan. The C-SSRS is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess suicide risk and guide appropriate interventions.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is not accurate. The C-SSRS does not measure the severity and intensity of suicidal ideation and behavior in the past month. It focuses on assessing the severity of suicidal ideation and behavior based on the steps mentioned in choice C.

Choice A:

Administering prescribed antidepressant medication.

Choice B:

Creating a hope box for the client.

Choice C:

Teaching relaxation techniques to the client.

Choice E:

Providing crisis hotline numbers to the client.

Choice A rationale:

Administering prescribed antidepressant medication. This intervention can be included in the implementation phase of care for a client with expressed suicidal thoughts. Antidepressant medication, when prescribed by a healthcare provider, can help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve the client's overall mental state.

Choice B rationale:

Creating a hope box for the client. Creating a hope box, filled with personal mementos, coping strategies, and reminders of positive experiences, can provide the client with a tangible tool for managing moments of despair. This can contribute to the client's emotional well-being and resilience.

Choice C rationale:

Teaching relaxation techniques to the client. Teaching relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation, can equip the client with coping skills to manage anxiety, stress, and overwhelming emotions. These techniques can be valuable in preventing escalation of suicidal thoughts.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging social isolation to prevent triggers. This choice is not appropriate for a client with expressed suicidal thoughts. Encouraging social isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, potentially increasing the risk of self-harm. Social support and connection are essential protective factors.

Choice E rationale:

Providing crisis hotline numbers to the client. Supplying crisis hotline numbers ensures that the client has access to immediate support during times of distress. This intervention helps the client reach out for help when needed and promotes safety.