Author Question: A nurse and patient construct a no-suicide contract. Select the preferable wording. a. I will not ... (Read 67 times)

gonzo233 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse and patient construct a no-suicide contract. Select the preferable wording.

a. I will not try to harm myself during the next 24 hours.
b. I will not make a suicide attempt while I am hospitalized.
c. For the next 24 hours, I will not in any way attempt to harm or kill myself.
d. I will not kill myself until I call my primary nurse or a member of the staff.

Question 2

A tearful, anxious patient at the outpatient clinic reports, I should be dead. The initial task of the nurse conducting the assessment interview is to:

a. assess lethality of suicide plan.
b. encourage expression of anger.
c. establish rapport with the patient.
d. determine risk factors for suicide.

kiamars2010 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The correct answer leaves no loopholes. The wording about not harming oneself and not making an attempt leaves loopholes or can be ignored by the patient who thinks I am not going to harm myself, I am going to kill myself or I am not going to attempt suicide, I am going to commit suicide. A patient may call a therapist and leave the telephone to carry out the suicidal plan.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
This scenario presents a potential crisis. Establishing rapport facilitates a therapeutic alliance that will allow the nurse to obtain relevant assessment data such as the presence of a suicide plan, lethality of plan, and presence of risk factors for suicide.