A nurse on an acute care mental health unit is examining the belongings of a client who is being admitted following a suicide attempt. Which of the following belongings should the nurse ask the client's partner to take back home? (Select all that apply)
Necklace
Lace-up tennis shoes
Nylon ankle socks
Cotton underwear
A glass-framed picture
Correct Answer : A,B,E
Choice A reason:
A necklace can pose a risk for clients with suicidal tendencies as it can be used to inflict self-harm. In an acute mental health unit, it is crucial to remove any items that could potentially be used in another suicide attempt. The nurse should ensure that the environment is safe and free from objects that could be used for hanging or strangulation.
Choice B reason:
Lace-up tennis shoes have laces that can be removed and used by the client to harm themselves. It is a standard safety precaution in mental health units to remove any items with strings or laces, such as belts, drawstrings, or shoe laces, to prevent their use in self-harm or suicide attempts.
Choice C reason:
Nylon ankle socks are generally considered safe and do not typically need to be removed. They do not pose a significant risk for self-harm. Therefore, the client can keep these for personal comfort and hygiene.
Choice D reason:
Cotton underwear is a basic necessity and does not present a risk for self-harm. It is important for the client's dignity and hygiene to have access to personal undergarments while in the mental health unit.
Choice E reason:
A glass-framed picture, while sentimental, poses a risk due to the glass, which can be broken and used to inflict self-harm. For safety reasons, any items made of glass or other breakable materials should be removed from the client's access in a mental health unit.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While giving the family an opportunity to talk about their feelings is important, it is not the immediate priority for staff intervention following the incident. The family's needs are crucial, but the question specifically asks about the staff's follow-up actions.
Choice B reason:
Investigating and identifying cues in the client's behavior that might have indicated contemplation of suicide is a critical step in understanding and preventing future incidents. However, this is more of a retrospective action and not the immediate priority for staff intervention after such an event.
Choice C reason:
Providing professional counseling for staff members is the priority intervention. Staff members may experience a range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and trauma, following a client's suicide. Professional counseling can support staff in processing these feelings and prevent potential long-term psychological effects.
Choice D reason:
Changing policies for staff observation of clients who are suicidal may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority following the incident. Policy review and changes are part of a longer-term strategy to improve care and prevent future incidents.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While it is beneficial for clients to be involved in their care planning, this is not the immediate priority. Active participation in care planning is a goal that can be pursued once the client's safety and stability are ensured.
Choice B reason:
Identifying positive qualities about oneself is an important step in improving self-esteem and promoting recovery in clients with major depressive disorder. However, this is not the most immediate priority when compared to ensuring the client's safety¹.
Choice C reason:
Exhibiting expected grieving behaviors is a natural and necessary process for healing after the loss of a loved one. However, the priority in the acute phase of care, especially when a client is at risk for self-harm, is to ensure safety.
Choice D reason:
The priority nursing goal for a client with major depressive disorder, especially following a significant loss, is to ensure safety. Making a contract to avoid self-harm is a critical intervention that addresses the risk of suicide, which is heightened in individuals with major depressive disorder and recent significant loss. This contract is a verbal or written agreement between the client and the healthcare provider that the client will not harm themselves and will seek help if they have thoughts of self-harm.
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