Author Question: An older adult patient is severely suicidal. The patient has not eaten for a week and today began ... (Read 73 times)

xclash · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older adult patient is severely suicidal. The patient has not eaten for a week and today began refusing fluids. The patient's physical condition is declining. The nurse should prepare for which intervention?

a. Insertion of a feeding tube
b. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
c. Behavior modification
d. Bright-light therapy

Question 2

When working with a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia, the nurse should begin by

a. setting mutual goals for behavioral changes.
b. instituting measures to prevent identity diffusion.
c. identifying and supporting the patient's strengths.
d. helping the patient develop a realistic self-concept.

sailorcrescent · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
ECT is the treatment of choice for severe depression in older adults when a rapid response is necessary. Bright-light therapy and behavior modification will take too long. The patient does not have assessment findings that indicate enteral feeding is needed.

Answer to Question 2

C
Strengths serve as the foundation for later therapeutic work to promote more adaptive coping, so identifying and supporting strengths is a fundamental initial intervention. The other options are useful but are not fundamental.