ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 21 : Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about suicide and associated concepts. The group demonstrates understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as the probability that a person will successfully complete suicide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lethality (
D) refers to the probability that a person will successfully complete suicide, based on the method?s potential to cause death. Parasuicide (
A) involves nonfatal acts, suicidal ideation (
B) is thoughts of suicide, and suicidality (
C) is a broader term encompassing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a class about factors that enhance the risk of suicide, the instructor determines the need for additional teaching when the class identifies which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cautiousness (
B) is not a recognized risk factor for suicide; it may even be protective by reducing impulsivity. Family history of suicide (
A), delusions (
C), and loss (
D) are established risk factors, as they contribute to genetic predisposition, altered thinking, and emotional distress, respectively.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has attempted suicide. Which of the following would the nurse identify as relating to a psychological cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cluster B personality disorder (
B), such as borderline or antisocial personality disorder, is a psychological cause of suicide risk due to emotional instability and impulsivity. Childhood trauma (
A) is a historical or environmental factor, social isolation (
C) is a social factor, and suicide contagion (
D) is an external influence, not a psychological cause.
Question 4 of 5
A patient comes??5comes to the clinic for an evaluation of headache, fatigue, and an overall feeling of being down. When assessing the patient, which statement by the patient would alert the nurse to suspect possible suicide? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Statements indicating excessive sleepiness (
C) and feeling trapped with no way out (
D) are red flags for suicide risk, as they suggest severe depression and hopelessness, respectively. Increased alcohol use (
A) is a risk factor but less specific without direct suicidal content. Socializing (
B) and job stress (E) are not direct indicators of suicidal ideation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse determines that a patient is at imminent risk for suicide. Which of the following would be least appropriate to include in the patient?s plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strict activity restriction (
C) is least appropriate for a patient at imminent suicide risk unless there is an immediate safety threat requiring such measures. Listening (
A), validating feelings (
B), and cognitive interventions (
D) are therapeutic and supportive, aligning with best practices for managing suicidal patients.