A school nurse is speaking to the mother of a 16-year-old male adolescent. The mother has concerns about her son. Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
"His cousin committed suicide a few weeks ago.”
"He spends much of his time with his two school friends.”
"He has slept 9 hours each night for the past 2 years.”
"He is very religious and attends services twice a week.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
"His cousin committed suicide a few weeks ago." This statement is a significant red flag indicating a higher risk of suicide. When an adolescent is exposed to suicide, especially within their family or close social circle, they become more vulnerable due to the potential for social contagion. This scenario increases the urgency for intervention and support to prevent a similar outcome.
Choice B rationale:
"He spends much of his time with his two school friends." While changes in social behavior might raise concerns, this statement alone does not directly indicate a risk of suicide. Adolescents can experience shifts in their social preferences for various reasons, and it's not a definitive sign of suicidal ideation or intent.
Choice C rationale:
"He has slept 9 hours each night for the past 2 years." Sleeping patterns alone do not strongly correlate with suicide risk. However, drastic changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or hypersomnia, might be indicative of underlying mental health issues. In this case, the consistent sleep pattern mentioned does not directly signal a risk of suicide.
Choice D rationale:
"He is very religious and attends services twice a week." Religious involvement can have protective effects on mental health, and attending religious services can provide a support network. While religion might offer some resilience against suicide, it is not a definitive indicator. Other factors need to be considered in conjunction with religious activities. For , the statement indicating an adolescent's higher risk of suicide is "His cousin committed suicide a few weeks ago" (Choice A). This experience increases the risk due to the potential for social contagion. The other options, including spending time with school friends, sleep patterns, and religious involvement, do not directly suggest an imminent risk of suicide.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: "If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory."
Choice A rationale:
If the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, healthcare workers are not required to report it. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Healthcare workers are mandated reporters, and their primary responsibility is to protect the safety and well-being of the child. Regardless of whether the potential abuser commits to stopping the abuse, suspicion of abuse requires reporting.
Choice B rationale:
Evidence must exist before reporting. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. While concrete evidence can strengthen a case, it is not a prerequisite for reporting suspected child abuse. Reporting is based on reasonable suspicion, not proof. Healthcare workers should err on the side of caution and report any concerns.
Choice C rationale:
I don't want to defame someone if the report is false. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Reporting suspected child abuse is not about defaming someone, but rather about ensuring the safety of the child. Reporting is a part of the legal and ethical obligations of healthcare workers to protect vulnerable individuals.
Choice D rationale:
If suspicion of abuse exists, then reporting is mandatory. Rationale: This statement is correct. Healthcare workers are mandated reporters and have a duty to report suspected child abuse to appropriate authorities. Reporting is necessary when there is reasonable suspicion, even if definitive evidence is not yet present.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
Choice A rationale:
This response focuses on negative outcomes and might discourage the client from exploring her options. It does not support the client's autonomy or address her concerns about nontraditional treatments. The nurse's role should be to facilitate open communication and understanding.
Choice B rationale:
This response is the most therapeutic. By inviting the client to share her concerns, the nurse demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express her thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters a collaborative and respectful relationship, allowing the nurse to address the client's worries effectively.
Choice C rationale:
This response is directive and dismissive of the client's wishes. It fails to consider the client's perspective and autonomy. The nurse should avoid imposing personal opinions and instead promote a patient-centered approach.
Choice D rationale:
While acknowledging the provider's expertise is important, this response does not address the client's concerns about nontraditional treatments. It's essential to focus on the client's individual preferences and provide information to help her make an informed decision.
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