Author Question: A client with major depression whose wife died 6 months earlier was admitted to the hospital after ... (Read 63 times)

Awilson837 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client with major depression whose wife died 6 months earlier was admitted to the hospital after attempting suicide by overdosing on a variety of medications and drinking alcohol.

By day 5 he was improving and interacting with peers and the staff. Which statement would cause the nurse to observe his behavior more closely?
1. When I'm discharged, I guess I'll stay with my son until I feel better.
2. I do not enjoy shopping at the mall since my wife died.
3. It puzzles me that anyone would want to harm themselves like I did.
4. My wife and I would have been married 36 years tomorrow.

Question 2

A client age 46 was admitted to the hospital with major depression. The nurse asked, Do you feel like hurting yourself at this time?

What is the primary rationale for obtaining this information when nothing in his referral note im-plied that he was suicidal?
1. It is likely that he is hiding the desire to harm himself.
2. This information must be reported to the physician.
3. Specific safety measures must be implemented when self-harm is a danger.
4. He would be placed on a locked unit if he were a threat to himself.

LVPMS · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 4
Significant anniversary dates may be a time for future suicide attempts. Options 1 and 3 are posi-tive statements, and option 2 does not necessarily indicate suicidal intent.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
Depression is a disorder linked to suicidal behavior, so it is imperative to ask and then closely observe the client if he says Yes. Options 1 and 2 might be true, but they are not the reason for asking. Most psychiatric units are locked, so option 4 is not relevant.