When assessing a patient's plan for suicide, what aspect has priority?
Availability of means and lethality of method
Patient's insight into the suicidal motivation
Quality and availability of patient's social support
Patient's financial and educational status
The Correct Answer is A
A. Availability of means and lethality of method is a priority as it directly influences the risk and immediacy of a potential suicide attempt. Access to lethal methods increases the risk of a fatal outcome.
B. The patient's insight into the suicidal motivation is valuable, but it may not indicate immediate risk or specific details about the plan.
C. Quality and availability of social support are important for long-term prevention but may not provide immediate information about the plan or risk.
D. Patient's financial and educational status might be factors contributing to stress but may not directly reflect the immediate risk of suicide.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While both schizophrenia and PTSD are mental health disorders, the priority in this context for a soldier with a history of combat exposure is to screen for conditions that commonly arise from traumatic experiences, such as PTSD and major depressive disorder.
B. PTSD and major depressive disorder can often co-occur, especially in individuals exposed to trauma. Given the soldier's history of combat exposure and PTSD diagnosis, screening for major depressive disorder is crucial due to its frequent association with PTSD and its potential severity.
C. Bipolar disorder may share some symptoms with PTSD, but given the context of returning from combat and the diagnosis of PTSD, the priority would be to focus on screening for
conditions more directly linked to trauma.
D. Dementia is less likely to be directly related to combat exposure in a returning soldier. While it's essential to assess the soldier's overall mental health, the immediate concern in this scenario would be mental health conditions more commonly associated with trauma.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While acknowledging the patient's feelings is important, ensuring safety is the priority, and the response should emphasize the ongoing concern for safety.
B. Prioritizing patient safety and care is crucial, especially in situations involving suicidal risks.
C. Encouraging the patient to elaborate further is essential; however, the priority is to maintain the safety precautions.
D. Directing the patient to not participate in their care isn't supportive or therapeutic, especially when safety is a concern.
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