A nurse interacts with an outpatient who has a history of ...

[Mollykgkg]

A nurse interacts with an outpatient who has a history of multiple suicide attempts. Select the most helpful response for a nurse to make when the patient states, I am considering committing suicide.
 
  a. I'm glad you shared this. Please do not worry. We will handle it together.
  b. I think you should admit yourself to the hospital to keep you safe.
  c. Bringing up these feelings is a very positive action on your part.
  d. We need to talk about the good things you have to live for.

Question 2

Select the most critical question for the nurse to ask an adolescent who has threatened to take an overdose of pills.
 
  a. Why do you want to kill yourself?
  b. Do you have access to medications?
  c. Have you been taking drugs and alcohol?
  d. Did something happen with your parents?

[kthug]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The correct response gives the patient reinforcement, recognition, and validation for making a positive response rather than acting out the suicidal impulse. It gives neither advice nor false reassurance, and it does not imply stereotypes such as You have a lot to live for. It uses the patient's ambivalence and sets the stage for more realistic problem solving.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse must assess the patient's access to means to carry out the plan and, if there is access, alert the parents to remove from the home and take additional actions to assure the patient's safety. The information in the other questions may be important to ask but are not the most critical.