A suicide crisis line caller states, I called to say goodbye to ...

[stevenposner]

A suicide crisis line caller states, I called to say goodbye to someone. Select the nurse's best response.
 
  a. You seem ambivalent about committing suicide. Let's talk about that.
  b. You must be feeling a lot of pain. What are you planning to do?
  c. I hope you realize how much you have to live for.
  d. I think I can help you, if you'll let me.

Question 2

The spouse of a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder tells the nurse, Every time my partner recovers from a manic episode, depression follows soon. It's very discouraging. The nurse's reply should include what information?
 
  a. As the partner ages, rapid cycling will decrease.
  b. Combining lithium with haloperidol (Haldol) might prevent rapid cycling.
  c. Depression associated with bipolar disorder is usually time-limited, so treatment is not indicated.
  d. Recent addition of olanzapine (Zyprexa) to this patient's drug regime can be helpful as a mood stabilizer.

[JCABRERA33]

Answer to Question 1

B
Expressing empathy and genuine concern while offering to work with the patient is a good beginning. Asking about the plan is appropriate and enables the nurse to assess risk. The other options fail to offer both empathy and help.

Answer to Question 2

D
Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has proven effective in controlling mania and acting as a mood stabilizer to reduce depression following treatment for acute mania. The other statements are incorrect or irrelevant.