A school registered nurse is speaking to the father of a 15-year-old male adolescent. The father has concerns about his son.
Which of the following statements by the mother should indicate to the nurse that the adolescent is at risk for suicide?
"He spends much of his time with his best school friends."
"He is very religious and attends church services every week."
"He has slept 8 hours each night for the past 3 years."
"His favorite teen actor committed suicide a week ago.".
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
Choice A: While social isolation can be a risk factor for suicide, spending time with close friends can actually be protective. This statement alone does not suggest an increased risk.
Choice B: Religious involvement and participation in religious activities can be protective factors against suicide by providing support, meaning, and a sense of belonging. This statement does not indicate a specific risk.
Choice C: Consistent, healthy sleep patterns are generally associated with positive mental health and are not indicative of suicidal ideation. This statement does not raise concerns for suicide risk.
Choice D: Exposure to suicide, particularly within one's social circle or among individuals one admires, is a significant risk factor for suicide due to the phenomenon of "social contagion." The recent suicide of the adolescent's favorite actor increases his vulnerability and necessitates immediate assessment and intervention.
Social contagion refers to the tendency for suicidal behaviors to spread within a community or group, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to a suicide can trigger suicidal thoughts and feelings in vulnerable individuals, especially if they identify with the deceased or perceive the suicide as a viable coping mechanism.
The adolescent's age (15 years) is also a crucial factor. Adolescence is a period of heightened emotional vulnerability and increased risk for suicidal ideation and behavior due to various developmental and psychosocial challenges.
The father's concern suggests that the adolescent may be exhibiting other concerning behaviors or changes in mood or behavior. The nurse should gather more information and conduct a comprehensive suicide risk assessment to determine the level of risk and implement appropriate interventions.
Additional considerations:
The nurse should inquire about the nature of the adolescent's relationship with the deceased actor, his emotional state since the suicide, and any other potential stressors or vulnerabilities he may be facing.
The nurse should involve the parents in the assessment and intervention process, providing them with education and resources on suicide prevention and support.
If the assessment indicates a high risk of suicide, the nurse should immediately refer the adolescent to a mental health professional or emergency department for further evaluation and treatment.
Remember: Suicide is a serious public health issue, and early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing tragic outcomes. School nurses play a vital role in recognizing warning signs and providing timely support and resources to adolescents at risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E","G"]
Explanation
The correct answer/s is Choice/s A, E, and G.
Choice A rationale: Administering 0.9% sodium chloride IV is a common practice in emergency departments to ensure the patient is well-hydrated. This is particularly important for patients experiencing acute mania, as they may have neglected their physical health, including hydration, during their manic episode.
Choice B rationale: Flumazenil is an antagonist for benzodiazepines and is typically used to reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines. It is not typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder or acute mania.
Choice C rationale: Preparing the client for intubation is usually reserved for situations where the patient is unable to maintain their own airway or adequate ventilation. This is not typically necessary in cases of acute mania unless there are other complicating factors.
Choice D rationale: Beginning chest compressions is a response to cardiac arrest. There is no indication in the that the patient is experiencing cardiac arrest, so this would not be a typical anticipation for a patient experiencing acute mania.
Choice E rationale: Administering IV naloxone is done in cases of suspected opioid overdose. While it’s not directly related to treating acute mania, it’s possible that the patient could have comorbid substance use issues, given the high rate of comorbidity between bipolar disorder and substance use disorders.
Choice F rationale: Administering activated charcoal is done in cases of certain types of poisoning or drug overdose. It is not typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder or acute mania.
Choice G rationale: Preparing the client for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be an appropriate anticipation for a patient experiencing acute mania. ECT is considered a highly effective treatment for severe mania, particularly when other treatments have failed or when rapid stabilization is required.
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets per dose.
Rationale:
Step 1: Determine the desired dose of diphenhydramine. The desired dose is 50 mg.
Step 2: Determine the available tablet strength. The available tablet strength is 25 mg.
Step 3: Divide the desired dose by the tablet strength to determine the number of tablets needed. 50 mg / 25 mg/tablet = 2 tablets
Therefore, the nurse should administer 2 tablets of diphenhydramine 25 mg per dose to achieve the desired dose of 50 mg.
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