A patient with a history of suicidal ideation is under observation. When is the patient at the highest risk for self-harm?

During the first few days after admission.

On the anniversary of significant life events in the patient’s life.

Approximately 2 weeks after starting antidepressant medication.

Immediately after a family visit.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
While the initial days after admission can be stressful and potentially risky for a patient with suicidal ideation, they are not typically considered the highest risk period.
Choice B rationale
Anniversaries of significant life events can indeed trigger emotional distress and potentially increase suicide risk. However, these are specific time points and not a continuous period of heightened risk.
Choice C rationale
The highest risk for self-harm in a patient with a history of suicidal ideation is often approximately 2 weeks after starting antidepressant medication. This is because as their mood begins to lift, they may still have suicidal thoughts but now have the energy to act on them.
Choice D rationale
While family visits can be emotionally charged and potentially distressing, they do not typically represent the highest risk period for self-harm.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Confusion can cause a temporary state of disorientation and difficulty with concentration and memory, but it doesn’t typically result in a loss of multiple abilities such as short- and long- term memory, language, and the ability to understand.
Choice B rationale
Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It can cause loss of multiple abilities such as short- and long-term memory, language, and the ability to understand.
Choice C rationale
Delirium is a sudden and severe confusion that comes on quickly and can cause changes in memory, thinking, attention, and perception. However, it is usually temporary and reversible, unlike the progressive loss of abilities seen in dementia.
Choice D rationale
Aggression is a type of behavior characterized by hostile, forceful, or destructive actions. It does not involve a loss of multiple abilities such as short- and long-term memory, language, and the ability to understand.

A. Both are recommended. Since your insurance covers both, that’s the best plan for you. B. The effects of medications will not last forever. C. You have reservations about going to therapy. D. Medications help your brain function better, but therapy aids in eliciting behavior change.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that both therapy and medication are often recommended for treating conditions like depression, this doesn’t explain why a patient needs to attend therapy in addition to taking their prescribed antidepressant medication.
Choice B rationale
The statement that the effects of medications will not last forever is somewhat misleading. While it’s true that medications aren’t a cure-all, they can provide long-term management of symptoms for many individuals.
Choice C rationale
This choice doesn’t provide an explanation for why therapy is necessary in addition to medication. It merely acknowledges that the patient has reservations about going to therapy.
Choice D rationale
This is the best explanation. Medications can help improve brain function by balancing neurotransmitters, which can alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. Therapy, on the other hand, can help patients develop coping strategies, understand and change thought patterns, and implement behavioral changes, which can lead to more enduring improvements over time.

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A patient with a history of suicidal ideation is under observation. When is the patient at the highest risk for self-harm?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The patient is experiencing loss of multiple abilities such as short- and long-term memory, language, and the ability to understand. What condition does the patient have?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient inquires why they need to attend therapy and can’t just take their prescribed antidepressant medication. What would be the best explanation from the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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