You have recognized a need to assess a client to determine if she ...

[cabate]

You have recognized a need to assess a client to determine if she has a suicide plan. Which of the following questions would best assist you in this assessment?
 
  A) Have you ever had any thoughts that are contrary to your well-being?
  B) Do you have people in your life who are supportive of you?
  C) Are you thinking about killing yourself right now?
  D) How do you generally cope with problems in your life?

Question 2

While caring for a client in the hospital, the nurse becomes concerned that the client may be having thoughts of suicide. Which of the following statements would be most therapeutic?
 
  A) Are you feeling particularly sad and depressed these days?
  B) Do you have support at home?
  C) What kinds of things are concerning you right now?
  D) How well do you think that your medications are working?

[pocatato]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Potential questions to assess a suicide plan include the following: Are you thinking about killing yourself right now? Are you feeling so badly that you have thought of taking your own life? Have things been so bad that you feel you can't go on? What have you thought about doing? Have you thought about a specific time or place? Do you have access to a firearm, pills, knife? These direct questions are most useful that indirect questions that only allude to suicide.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
Feedback:
Nurses start with open-ended questions that invite clients to convey what is concerning them most at this particular time. Sensitivity and empathy allow nurses to gather information, engage clients, and develop the therapeutic relationship.