Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient in an outpatient clinic who has selected and obtained lethal ... (Read 26 times)

acc299 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient in an outpatient clinic who has selected and obtained lethal measures to follow through with suicide completion. What nursing intervention is most appropriate for this patient?

1. Encourage the patient to attend psychotherapy.
2. Encourage coping skills, such as stress reduction.
3. Facilitate assessment in the emergency department to determine the appropriate level of care.
4. Arrange for transportation to the emergency department and plan for admission to the behavioral health unit.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with a previous history of suicide attempt. The patient has been participating in the treatment plan, and while not actively suicidal, continues to express feelings of hopelessness.

Which statements by the nurse would best promote hope for this patient? Select all that apply.
1. Tell me about the struggles in your life.
2. How are you trying to solve some of your problems?
3. Have you ever felt like you wanted to hurt yourself?
4. Are you getting any regular exercise?
5. You are doing a great job by participating in the ordered therapy.

T4T · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: The patient who has selected and obtained lethal measures to follow through with suicide completion is in Stage V of the Stage of Severity for Suicide Risk. This is the most severe stage, at which the nurse needs to intervene to ensure the patient's safety. This will include transportation to the emergency department for evaluation and planning for the patient to be admitted to the behavioral health unit. While the other answer choices are appropriate interventions for a patient displaying suicidal thoughts or actions, these interventions are only appropriate for those individuals with less severity of suicide risk, such as in stages I through IV.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4, 5
Explanation: Hopelessness is a common emotion in individuals at risk for suicide. It is vital that nurse working with those at risk for suicide understands the best interventions to instill hope in these patients. Providing stress reduction techniques, such as exercise, help to encourage positive coping mechanisms, increasing hope. Providing encouraging words to the patient who is participating in his or her care instills hope. While the other statements are appropriate in the care of a patient at risk for suicide, these statements address establishing empathy and assessing suicidal ideation.