The nurse is caring for a patient on a medical-surgical inpatient ...

[K@]

The nurse is caring for a patient on a medical-surgical inpatient unit. The patient tells the nurse he is very sad and is considering suicide. What is the first thing the nurse should do?
 
  a. Notify the health care provider.
  b. Make a referral to psychiatric services.
  c. Implement one-on-one observations.
  d. Document in the electronic medical record.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing level of stress in a patient from another culture. Which question is the most appropriate in helping the nurse understand the impact of the patient's belief system?
 
  a. Do you engage in prayer to help you during times of stress?
  b. Do you go to church or other form of organized worship?
  c. Do you have certain beliefs that are helpful during times of stress?
  d. Do you want spiritual counseling while you are here?

[at]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Verbalization of suicidal ideation or a suicide plan must be taken seriously. In the case of a hospitalized patient, one-on-one observation should be implemented to ensure patient safety. Once the patient is under observation, the health care provider is notified to put in the referral; nurses generally do not put in the referral. Documentation is always done after the patient's safety is ensured

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The nurse needs to obtain a knowledge base of the patient's culture as well as identify health beliefs and cultural values from the patient's worldview. Asking the patient specific questions about prayer or church or spiritual counseling is inappropriate until the nurse first understands what the patient's own beliefs and practices are.

[K@]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[frankwu0507]

Gracias!