Author Question: The nurse is assessing four patients for a risk for suicide. According to the Level of Suicidal ... (Read 109 times)

mckennatimberlake · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is assessing four patients for a risk for suicide. According to the Level of Suicidal Severity Index, which patient statement indicates the greatest risk for suicide?

1. I have no reason to live anymore, and suicide is my only option.
2. I think committing suicide will help to solve all the problems I have.
3. I plan to commit suicide by overdosing on prescription pain medication.
4. I sometimes think about how suicide might solve my problems, but I would never do it.

Question 2

When assessing a patient's suicidal ideations and level of risk, which question most appropriately conveys empathy?

1. Do you have any firearms?
2. What struggles in your life are upsetting you?
3. Do you ever feel like you want to hurt yourself?
4. Is there anything you could do now to make yourself feel better?

daiying98 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1
Explanation: The Level of Suicidal Severity Index is a tool used by nurses and clinicians in the comprehensive assessment of a patient's risk for suicide. This index categories the patient's thoughts of suicide into five various stages of severity. The patient who can no longer identify any protective measures or a reason for living is in Stage V, and is at greatest risk for suicide. The patient who states, I have no reason to live anymore and suicide is my only option is best demonstrating Stage V. The patient in Stage III is beginning to consider suicide as an option for problem solving. The patient who has a plan for suicide and method to carry out the strategy is in Stage IV. The patient who begins to have fleeting thoughts of suicide, followed by thoughts that dismiss suicide is in Stage II.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: When assessing a patient's suicidal ideations and level of risk, the nurse will ask questions that either establish empathy or directly assess the patient's suicide ideation. Asking the patient, What struggles in your life are upsetting you? best conveys empathy by the nurse. Asking if patients own firearms, feel like they want to hurt themselves, or if there is anything that will make them feel better are appropriate questions to ask; however, these do not convey empathy.