A suicidal patient tells the nurse, There's no other way out for me. I have so many prob-lems that there's nothing to do but cash it in. Which statement by the nurse would be a helpful approach?
a. I can see that things are bad. It's good you recognized your limitations.
b. Let's look at the problem you consider most urgent to see about a solution.
c. We'll begin problem-solving together as soon as you stop feeling suicidal.
d. Your thinking is flawed. I'll teach you to think differently and be less de-pressed.
Question 2
A newly admitted patient with depression has been determined as suicidal and in need of one-to-one supervision. What is the best statement to inform the patient of the plan of care?
a. A staff member will be with you at all times to watch you for suicide gestures.
b. On this unit, a staff member stays with each new admission for the first 24 hours.
c. We understand the impulse to attempt self-harm may be strong, so someone will stay with you to help you control the impulse.
d. We are not sure you would be willing to tell a staff member if the urge to com-mit suicide becomes strong, so to prevent hospital liability someone will stay with you.
Nurse Sandy
Entry level nurse competencies
The effectiveness of patient education
Patient teaching: mouth and pharyngeal assessment
It is important to act concerned when a patient is upset.
Example of a patient statement.