It has been 5 days since a suicidal patient was hospitalized and prescribed an antidepressant medication. The patient is now more talkative and shows increased energy. Select the highest priority nursing intervention.
Consider discontinuation of suicide precautions.
Supervise the patient 24 hours a day.
Begin discharge planning for the patient.
Refer the patient to art and music therapists
The Correct Answer is B
A. Suicide precautions should never be discontinued at this time; in fact, suicide risk is highest when energy improves before mood fully stabilizes.
B. Increased energy after starting antidepressants raises suicide risk, as the patient may now have the ability to act on suicidal thoughts. Continuous supervision is the priority for safety.
C. Discharge planning is premature at this stage; safety comes first.
D. Art and music therapy may be beneficial long-term but do not address the immediate suicide risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. African American females, especially with strong religious affiliation and social ties, have a lower risk of suicide compared to other demographics.
B. Adolescents may have suicidal ideation under stress, but the protective factors (academic and athletic success, no indication of psychiatric illness) lower the risk.
C. Older white males are at the highest statistical risk for suicide, especially when compounded by chronic illness, terminal diagnosis, social isolation (single), and depression.
D. Despite chronic illness (type 2 diabetes), protective factors such as being married and having many grandchildren reduce suicide risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a life-threatening drop in white blood cells, leaving the client highly vulnerable to infection. Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, malaise) may be early warning signs and require immediate provider notification and WBC count monitoring.
B. Olanzapine commonly causes orthostatic hypotension. Dizziness when standing is expected early in treatment and can often be managed with slow position changes, not an emergency.
C. Thioridazine, like many antipsychotics, can cause sedation. Daytime drowsiness is a common side effect and not urgent.
D. Chlorpromazine may cause GI upset such as nausea and vomiting. While bothersome, it is not immediately life-threatening unless severe or persistent.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.