Author Question: A client who has been highly suicidal tells the nurse on day 4 of hospitalization, You don't have to ... (Read 32 times)

vicotolentino · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client who has been highly suicidal tells the nurse on day 4 of hospitalization, You don't have to worry about me any longer. Today was the turning point. You can stop the suicide precau-tions.

The nurse senses a hollow ring to the client's words. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
1. Report the client's statements and the nurse's own feelings to the staff and sug-gest increased vigilance.
2. Report the client's statements and evaluate the outcome Client will report lack of suicidal ideation as attained.
3. Confer with the client's family members to obtain their evaluation of the client and his behavior and follow their lead.
4. Suggest that the level of suicide precautions be lowered from one-to-one supervi-sion to observing the client every 30 minutes.

Question 2

A client age 56 had been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate 1 month ago and underwent sur-gery. After returning home, he became more and more depressed and was negative about the fu-ture.

His doctor admitted him to the hospital after his wife reported he was trying to mix a lethal dose of medications and alcohol to drink. Which client outcome is a priority to this situation?
1. Client will participate in all unit activities
2. Client will not direct harm to another client
3. Client will learn ways to handle his unresolved anger
4. Client will admit to suicidal thoughts when asked by staff

FergA · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 1
It is unlikely that a highly suicidal client would recover so quickly. Sometimes hospitalization and medication allow a renewal of energy, enough to increase suicidal resolve. The nurse should fol-low this intuition and suggest increased vigilance. Keeping this concern to oneself (option 2) is not helpful. Taking the lead from the family (option 3) is not appropriate, and lowering suicide precautions so soon (option 4) is risky.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 4
Option 1 is helpful, but it is not a priority. Option 2 addresses an unlikely scenario, and there are insufficient data to support the notion of unresolved anger in option 3. Option 4 is a priority outcome.