Which of the following principles should the nurse apply when planning nursing care for a client who was admitted after a suicide attempt?

Choice A reason: Disturbed Sensory Perception involves altered sensory processing, like hallucinations, not specific to anxiety disorders with flashbacks or hypervigilance. These symptoms stem from heightened amygdala activity and dysregulated cortisol in trauma-related disorders, not sensory distortion. This diagnosis is less precise, as it does not capture the trauma-specific psychological and autonomic responses observed.

Choice B reason: Anxiety is a broad diagnosis encompassing excessive worry and autonomic arousal, but it is less specific than Post-Trauma Syndrome for symptoms like flashbacks and numbing. These indicate a trauma-related disorder, likely PTSD, driven by amygdala hyperactivation and HPA axis dysregulation, requiring a diagnosis that addresses the traumatic etiology and specific symptoms.

Choice C reason: Post-Trauma Syndrome, aligned with PTSD, is the most appropriate diagnosis for symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and numbing, which result from trauma-induced changes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These cause intrusive memories, heightened arousal, and emotional detachment, accurately reflecting the neurobiological impact of trauma on stress response systems.

Choice D reason: Powerlessness reflects perceived lack of control, not specific to flashbacks or hypervigilance. While trauma can cause feelings of helplessness, the defining symptoms here involve trauma-specific neurological changes, like amygdala hyperactivity, better captured by Post-Trauma Syndrome. Powerlessness is secondary and l

Choice A reason: The belief that clients who talk about suicide are less likely to attempt it is a myth. Verbalizing suicidal ideation often reflects severe distress and heightened risk, as it may indicate prefrontal cortex dysfunction and impaired impulse control. This misconception underestimates the neurobiological basis of suicidal behavior, requiring vigilant assessment.

Choice B reason: Assuming clients who fail a suicide attempt will not try again is incorrect. Previous attempts increase future risk, as suicidal behavior is linked to persistent psychological distress and serotonin dysregulation. This assumption ignores the chronicity of underlying conditions like depression, necessitating ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent recurrence.

Choice C reason: Claiming failed suicide attempts indicate a lack of intent to die is false. Many attempts fail due to external factors, not lack of intent. Suicidal behavior reflects complex neurobiological factors, including serotonin imbalance and prefrontal cortex deficits, requiring serious intervention regardless of outcome, as intent persists in high-risk individuals.

Choice D reason: A specific suicide plan indicates high risk, as it reflects advanced ideation and intent, often linked to prefrontal cortex dysfunction and reduced impulse control. Detailed planning suggests the client has visualized the act, increasing likelihood of completion. This principle guides nursing care to prioritize safety and immediate psychiatric intervention.