During a home health visit, the nurse observes that an elderly client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is wearing loose cloth slippers.
The client reports discomfort when wearing other shoes due to long toenails.
Upon inspection, the nurse finds long, thick nails that curl under some of the client’s toes. What should the nurse do in this situation?

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale

Severe life stresses at any age can indeed increase the risk of suicide????. Stressful life events can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which are significant risk factors for suicide. This can include a wide range of stressors, such as relationship problems, financial difficulties, job loss, or serious health issues?.

Choice B rationale

While it is true that socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with higher rates of suicide¹³, it is not accurate to say that suicides predominantly occur in lower socioeconomic groups.

Suicide is a complex issue that can affect individuals across all socioeconomic strata. Factors such as mental health conditions, substance abuse, and access to lethal means also play significant roles¹.

Choice C rationale

Robust social support systems can indeed help prevent suicide¹?¹?¹?¹?¹?. Social support can provide individuals with a sense of belonging, improve their mood and outlook, and reduce feelings of isolation. It can also provide a safety net for individuals in crisis, offering them resources and interventions that can help mitigate suicide risk¹?¹?¹?¹?¹?.

Choice D rationale

The assertion that discussing suicide with individuals suffering from depression can be hazardous is not entirely accurate??[^10^]. While it is crucial to approach such discussions with sensitivity and care, open conversations about suicide can help identify individuals at risk and ensure they receive the help they need. It is essential, however, that these discussions are conducted by trained professionals who can provide appropriate support and referrals??[^10^].

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale

While practicing safe sex can significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it does not completely eliminate the risk. Condoms, for example, can protect against many STIs, but they are not 100% effective and do not protect against all types of STIs.

Choice B rationale

Informing sexual partners about a gonorrhea diagnosis is crucial. Gonorrhea is a highly contagious infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. If a person has been

diagnosed with gonorrhea, their sexual partners may also be at risk and should be informed so they can seek testing and treatment if necessary.

Choice C rationale

It’s important to understand that STIs, including gonorrhea, can be asymptomatic, meaning they do not present any symptoms. Therefore, even if a partner does not have similar symptoms, they could still be infected.

Choice D rationale

Not all STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Some STIs can be transmitted through non-sexual means. For example, HIV can be transmitted through sharing needles, and mother- to-child transmission can occur during childbirth or breastfeeding.