Author Question: There are several suicidal patients on the psychiatric unit. When meal trays are returned to the ... (Read 182 times)

student77 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

There are several suicidal patients on the psychiatric unit. When meal trays are returned to the kitchen, a serrated-edge knife is missing. The nurse to whom the aide reports this should:

a. Acknowledge the information and be watchful for the remainder of the shift.
b. Ask each of the patients on suicide precautions where the knife is hidden.
c. Report the information to the charge nurse and suggest a unit search.
d. Report the information to security and let them handle the matter.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with cancer of the prostate was admitted after his wife reported he was trying to mix a lethal dose of medications and alcohol to drink. Which patient out-come is a priority to this situation?

a. Patient will participate in all unit activities.
b. Patient will recognize that depression is treatable.
c. Patient will learn ways to handle his unresolved anger.
d. Patient will admit to suicidal thoughts when asked by staff.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
This is an important safety issue. Although being watchful is appropriate, it is not sufficient to ensure safety in this situation. Assuming that only the patients on suicide precautions would know about the knives is not a proper assumption. Security does not need to be called in at this time, so option d is incorrect. Searching the unit for the missing knife would be the safest option.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Notifying staff of suicidal ideations has priority since it is directly related to the patient's safety. The other options lack the direct relationship to patient safety.