A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about suicide prevention. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the information?
"The blinds in the client's room will need to stay closed to prevent overstimulation."
"Family members should be encouraged to look up the warning signs of suicide."
"The client can eat their meal alone in their room."
"All sharp objects should be removed from the client's room."
The Correct Answer is D
A. The blinds in the client's room will need to stay closed to prevent overstimulation. Keeping the blinds closed is not a standard suicide prevention measure. While reducing overstimulation may be helpful for some mental health conditions, suicide prevention focuses more on removing means of self-harm, increasing supervision, and providing therapeutic interventions.
B. Family members should be encouraged to look up the warning signs of suicide. While educating family members about suicide warning signs is beneficial, simply encouraging them to look up the information is insufficient. The nurse should provide direct education and resources to ensure they recognize signs of suicidal ideation and know how to respond appropriately.
C. The client can eat their meal alone in their room. Allowing a suicidal client to eat alone increases the risk of self-harm, as food-related items (such as utensils, plastic bags, or containers) could be misused. Clients at risk for suicide should be supervised during meals to ensure their safety.
D. All sharp objects should be removed from the client's room. Removing sharp objects is a critical component of suicide prevention in inpatient settings. Limiting access to potential means of self-harm, including sharp items, cords, belts, and other dangerous objects, helps reduce the risk of suicide attempts.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Provide reassurance and comfort ensuring the client is safe." Clients with schizophrenia experiencing confusion and thought distortions require reassurance and safety measures first. Confusion can increase the risk of self-harm or agitation, making safety a priority. Comforting the client and providing a structured environment can help reduce anxiety. Ensuring a calm and safe setting supports symptom management and overall well-being.
B. "Ensure the client goes to group activities as planned." While group activities can promote socialization, a client experiencing confusion and thought distortions may struggle to participate. Forcing group engagement without addressing immediate needs can increase distress. Individualized interventions should be prioritized before encouraging group involvement. Ensuring safety and reducing anxiety are more immediate concerns.
C. "Give PRN medications to treat increased hallucinations." PRN medications may help manage symptoms but are not the first priority. Assessing and ensuring safety takes precedence before administering medications. The nurse should first provide reassurance and evaluate the severity of symptoms. Medication is important, but nonpharmacological interventions should be attempted first when possible. Ensuring safety remains the immediate concern in managing schizophrenia-related confusion.
D. "Use distraction such as the television or music." While distraction techniques can be beneficial, they do not directly address confusion or distorted thinking. The client may require more structured interventions to reorient them and provide reassurance. Music or television might help in stable periods but may not be effective in acute distress. Ensuring the client’s safety and reducing distress are higher priorities in immediate care.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Persistent depressive disorder is a mild chronic form of depression." PDD, previously known as dysthymia, is a long-lasting depressive condition with persistent low mood for at least two years. Symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder but are continuous and can significantly impact daily life. While not as acute as major depression, PDD requires management through therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
B. "Persistent depressive disorder is characterized by delusions and hallucinations." Psychotic features such as delusions and hallucinations are not typical of persistent depressive disorder (PDD). These symptoms are more commonly associated with major depressive disorder with psychotic features or schizophrenia. PDD primarily involves chronic low-grade depression rather than severe psychotic symptoms.
C. "Persistent depressive occurs shortly after taking or withdrawing from a substance." Substance-induced depressive disorder is a distinct diagnosis that results from drug use or withdrawal. Persistent depressive disorder is not caused by substance use but is a long-term mood disorder that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms are chronic and not directly linked to substance intake or withdrawal.
D. "Persistent depressive is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes." Bipolar disorder, not persistent depressive disorder, is characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes. PDD involves a chronic, low-level depressive state without manic symptoms. Individuals with PDD may experience periods of worsening depression, but they do not exhibit the high-energy or euphoric states seen in bipolar disorder.
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