Author Question: A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has ... (Read 108 times)

appyboo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

a. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
b. Chronic low self-esteem
c. Risk for suicide
d. Hopelessness

Question 2

A new staff nurse completes orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients?

a. Perform mental health assessment interviews.
b. Establish therapeutic relationships.
c. Prescribe psychotropic medications.
d. Individualize nursing care plans.

spencer.martell · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Risk for suicide is the priority diagnosis when the patient has both suicidal ideation and a plan to carry out the suicidal intent. Imbalanced nutrition, Hopelessness, and Chronic low self-esteem may be applicable nursing diagnoses, but these problems do not affect patient safety as urgently as a suicide attempt.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Prescriptive privileges are granted to Master's-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medications. The nurse prepared at the basic level performs mental health assessments, establishes relationships, and provides individualized care planning.