Which of the following would indicate increased suicidal risk?
Select all that apply.
Statements such as "I'm such a burden for everyone."
Crying when discussing sadness.
Statements such as "everything will be better soon."
Calling family members to make amends.
An abrupt improvement in mood.
Feeling overwhelmed by simple daily tasks.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A reason: Expressing feelings of being a burden is a strong indicator of suicidal ideation. Individuals who feel they are a burden often believe that their death would relieve others of responsibility, which increases risk. This type of statement reflects hopelessness and distorted thinking patterns commonly associated with suicidal intent.
Choice B reason: Crying when discussing sadness is an emotional expression but not necessarily a predictor of suicide risk. While it shows distress, crying is a normal coping mechanism and does not directly indicate intent to harm oneself. It is important to differentiate between emotional release and suicidal warning signs.
Choice C reason: Statements such as "everything will be better soon" can be a red flag when expressed by someone previously hopeless or depressed. This sudden optimism may reflect a decision to end their life, as they perceive suicide as a solution. Such statements often precede suicidal acts because the individual feels relief after deciding on a plan.
Choice D reason: Calling family members to make amends is a classic warning sign of suicide risk. This behavior suggests the person is preparing for death and wants to resolve unfinished business. Making amends or saying goodbye is often part of the planning process before a suicide attempt.
Choice E reason: An abrupt improvement in mood after a period of depression can be dangerous. This change may indicate that the person has resolved to commit suicide, leading to a sense of relief. Clinically, sudden mood improvement in a depressed patient should always be assessed carefully for suicidal intent.
Choice F reason: Feeling overwhelmed by simple daily tasks reflects functional impairment and depression but does not directly indicate imminent suicide risk. While it shows psychological distress, it is not as predictive of suicidal behavior as making amends, expressing burden, or sudden mood changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response is too blunt and may feel rejecting to the client, which can trigger abandonment fears common in borderline personality disorder.
Choice B reason: This response explores feelings but risks reinforcing dependency on the nurse by focusing on the client’s perception of being misunderstood.
Choice C reason: While supportive, this response may encourage idealization of the nurse, which is common in borderline personality disorder. It does not set appropriate boundaries.
Choice D reason: This response is therapeutic because it acknowledges the client’s feelings while reinforcing that all staff are available to help. It prevents dependency on one nurse and maintains professional boundaries, which is crucial in managing borderline personality disorder.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glucocorticoid activity is related to stress response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. While abnormalities here can contribute to depression, decreased glucocorticoid activity is not the primary neurochemical imbalance associated with depression.
Choice B reason: Increased dopamine activity is more commonly linked to conditions such as schizophrenia or mania. Depression is typically associated with reduced neurotransmitter activity, not increased dopamine.
Choice C reason: The most widely accepted neurochemical explanation for depression is decreased activity of serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and energy. Deficits in their activity lead to the hallmark symptoms of depression, making this the correct answer.
Choice D reason: The kindling process refers to repeated stimulation of neural pathways that can lower the threshold for mood episodes, particularly in bipolar disorder. While it may play a role in mood disorders, it is not the primary explanation for depression’s neurochemical imbalance.
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