Author Question: A depressed patient admitted following a suicide attempt by overdose of sedatives states, I don't ... (Read 83 times)

danielfitts88 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A depressed patient admitted following a suicide attempt by overdose of sedatives states, I don't feel like signing your papers. My partner should have let me die. What level of suicide precautions should the nurse apply?

a. No precautions because the patient is in a secure setting
b. Routine observation that is appropriate for all patients
c. One-to-one continuous supervision by staff members
d. Observation by staff members every 15 minutes

Question 2

Teaching for a patient who is to be discharged on a maintenance dose of lithium should emphasize the importance of

a. keeping appointments for serum lithium level testing.
b. engaging in daily cardiotonic exercise.
c. reporting anticholinergic side effects.
d. maintaining a tyramine-free diet.

xiaomengxian · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
One-to-one constant supervision is appropriate for suicidal patients who are considered at high risk: those who still have suicidal ideation, those who are angry that an attempt failed, or those who refuse to participate in their own care by agreeing to talk with staff before harming themselves. The other options are not appropriate for a patient whose suicide risk is high.

Answer to Question 2

A
Regular evaluation of serum lithium levels will be part of the patient's aftercare for as long as he or she takes lithium. The other items are not included in discharge teaching for a patient taking lithium.