ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 21 : Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse has just completed a suicide risk assessment of a 76-year-old widowed man. In addition to documenting the presence or absence of suicidal thoughts, plan, and means, the nurse would also document which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Documenting the availability of support resources (
C) is essential in a suicide risk assessment, as social support is a key protective factor that can mitigate risk. Substance use (
A), speech patterns (
B), and sleep (
D) may be relevant but are less directly tied to risk assessment compared to support resources.
Question 2 of 5
A patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit 3 days ago because of suicidal ideation. His suicidal risk has lessened considerably, and he currently denies having any desire to kill himself. In addition, he is able to identify reasons why he wants to be alive. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the patient?s risk has decreased and he is identifying reasons to live, developing a personal plan for managing suicidal thoughts (
B) is appropriate to empower him and prevent future crises. Constant supervision (
A) is unnecessary given the reduced risk. Electroconvulsive therapy (
C) is not indicated without severe, treatment-resistant depression. Decreasing serotonin (
D) would worsen depression.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is presenting a discussion for a local community group about suicide. Which comment from an audience member indicates the need to clarify the information?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The comment that suicides more often occur during the holiday seasons (
C) is a common myth. Research shows no consistent increase in suicides during holidays; risk is more tied to individual factors. The other comments (A, B,
D) are accurate: warning signs are common, suicidal individuals are often ambivalent, and suicide talk must be taken seriously.
Question 4 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 5 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.