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.

Choice A rationale

Supplements can have a significant impact on lab values. For example, taking iron supplements can increase the level of iron in the blood, while taking vitamin D supplements can increase the level of calcium. Therefore, asking the client if they are taking any supplements can provide valuable information that can help interpret the lab results.

Choice B rationale

Dry skin can be a sign of various conditions that can affect lab values. For example, hypothyroidism can cause dry skin and can also cause changes in lab values such as increased TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and decreased T4 (thyroxine)456. Therefore, asking the client if they have noticed that their skin is dry can provide valuable information that can help interpret the lab results.

Choice C rationale

Urgency to urinate can be a sign of various conditions that can affect lab values. For example, a urinary tract infection can cause urgency to urinate and can also cause changes in lab values such as increased white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. Therefore, asking the client if they have experienced urgency to urinate can provide valuable information that can help interpret the lab results.

Choice D rationale

The need to urinate less often can be a sign of various conditions that can affect lab values. For example, dehydration can cause a person to urinate less often and can also cause changes in lab values such as increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. However, this symptom is not as specific or indicative as the others, and may not provide as much valuable information for interpreting the lab results.