Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient who is displaying hopelessness. The nurse wants to assess if the ... (Read 49 times)

mwit1967 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient who is displaying hopelessness. The nurse wants to assess if the patient has any internal protective measures that could be used to assist the patient to overcome suicidal thoughts.

Which question is most appropriate for this purpose?
1. How well do you relate to others?
2. Do you request assistance when needed?
3. Do you have valued relationships with others?
4. How do you handle conflicts with others?

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for a patient who is suspected of being at risk for suicide. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the patient when determining the presence of protective measures?

1. Do you have any thoughts of suicide?
2. Do you have a history of trauma in your past?
3. What symptoms of depression are you experiencing?
4. Do you identify with a religious or spiritual group?

fraziera112 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Protective measures are factors that can help the individual to feel hopeful and worthy enough to begin problem solving, even when he or she feels that there are no answers to the presenting problem. There are internal and external protective measures. Internal factors are related to the ability to problem solve, think through conflict, and handle disputes without violence. The question, How do you handle conflicts with others? best assesses the presence of internal protective measures. The ability to relate to others, connect to family, and to request assistance address external, not internal, protective measures.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Protective measures are factors that can help the individual to feel hopeful and worthy enough to begin problem solving, even when he or she feels that there are no answers to the presenting problem. Both religion and spirituality are protective measures that help reduce suffering and promote hope. Asking the patient, Do you identify with a religious or spiritual group? will help the nurse identify protective measures. Asking the patient if he or she has any thoughts of suicide, has a history of trauma, or has symptoms of depression, are appropriate questions; however, these questions assesses the patient's risk for suicide and do not address protective measures.