Author Question: It has been 5 days since a suicidal patient was hospitalized and prescribed an antidepressant ... (Read 46 times)

fbq8i · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

It has been 5 days since a suicidal patient was hospitalized and prescribed an antidepressant medication. The patient is now more talkative and shows increased energy. Select the highest priority nursing intervention.

a. Supervise the patient 24 hours a day.
b. Begin discharge planning for the patient.
c. Refer the patient to art and music therapists.
d. Consider discontinuation of suicide precautions.

Question 2

A college student who attempted suicide by overdose was hospitalized. When the parents were contacted, they responded, We should have seen this coming. We did not do enough. The parents' reaction reflects:

a. guilt.
b. denial.
c. shame.
d. rescue feelings.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient now has more energy and may have decided on suicide, especially given the prior suicide attempt history. The patient must be supervised 24 hours per day. The patient is still a suicide risk.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The parents' statements indicate guilt. Guilt is evident from the parents' self-chastisement. The feelings suggested in the distracters are not clearly described in the scenario.