A tearful patient at the mental health center says, I should be ...

[cabate]

A tearful patient at the mental health center says, I should be dead. What is the most important first task for the nurse in assessing this patient?
 
  a. Ascertain the lethality of the suicide plan.
  b. Establish a rapport with the patient.
  c. Determine the risk factors for suicide.
  d. Encourage expression of feelings.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with mania begins lithium therapy on October 1 . What is the earliest date a nurse can expect to see clinical improvement in the patient's condition?
 
  a. October 3
  b. October 8
  c. October 21
  d. November 1

[fromAlphatoOmega22]

Answer to Question 1

B
Establishing rapport will allow the nurse to obtain relevant assessment data such as the presence of a suicide plan, lethality of plan, and presence of risk factors for suicide.

Answer to Question 2

B
Lithium must be given for 7 to 10 days before clinical improvement is achieved.