A military veteran being treated for substance abuse shares that ...

[faduma]

A military veteran being treated for substance abuse shares that the family is experiencing financial problems since being discharged. In order to assess the individual's coping skills, the nurse asks:
 
  a. Do you have any idea about how your finances got out of your control?
  b. How well were you at managing your finances before leaving the military?
  c. Can you give me some idea of the kind of financial help you feel you need?
  d. Have your financial expenses increased dramatically since being discharged?

Question 2

During an admission a nurse suspects a patient is having suicidal ideations. The best course of action is to:
 
  a. ask the patient if thoughts of suicide have occurred.
  b. ask the patient's significant other if the patient is suicidal.
  c. arrange for involuntary commitment to avoid harm to self or others.
  d. avoid the subject to avoid pushing the patient into further thoughts of self-harm.

[Viet Thy]

Answer to Question 1

B
The nurse must be mindful that substance abuse is a disease and individuals may return to previous ways when coping with stressful and unplanned events. Assessing previous coping skills will provide insight into the way current stresses will be managed. The remaining options provide opportunities to assess the financial problem itself.

Answer to Question 2

A
The subject of suicide is not taboo. It should be approached matter-of-factly. If the patient is having suicidal thoughts, he or she is often relieved to be able to talk about them openly.