A nurse is performing a psychosocial assessment on an adolescent client. Which of the following should indicate to the nurse a potential risk for suicide? Select all that apply.

 

 

Choice A reason: While it’s important to assess access to lethal means, this question is too specific and assumes the client owns a gun. A more appropriate question might be, “Do you have access to any means to harm yourself?”

Choice B reason: Inquiring about thoughts of self-harm or harming others is a direct question that assesses suicidal ideation and intent, which is essential for determining immediate risk.

Choice C reason: Understanding if the client has specific plans for self-harm can help gauge the immediacy and seriousness of the suicide risk.

Choice D reason: Discussing feelings about dying can provide insight into the client's emotional state and potential risk for suicide.

Choice E reason:  This question is important but it should not replace direct questions about the client’s current thoughts and feelings. It’s possible for a client to deny feelings of suicidality to their psychiatrist while still experiencing them.

Choice A reason: Gastric lavage is typically not the first-line treatment for lithium toxicity due to the risk of aspiration and potential complications. It is usually reserved for cases where the ingestion was recent and massive.

Choice B reason: When a client presents with an extremely elevated lithium level, it is crucial to hold further doses to prevent exacerbation of toxicity. The nurse should monitor for early signs of toxicity, which include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and ataxia. The normal therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L, and levels above 1.5 mmol/L are considered toxic.

Choice C reason: While it is important to review the medication record, the immediate concern with an extremely elevated lithium level is addressing the toxicity. Checking the medication record can be part of the assessment process but is not the priority action.

Choice D reason: Administering the morning dose of lithium could worsen the client's condition by increasing the lithium level further, which is already extremely elevated. This could lead to severe toxicity or even fatal consequences.