ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 21 : Suicide Prevention: Screening, Assessment, and Intervention Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who has attempted suicide has an underlying diagnosis of depression. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being ordered for the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (
A) are first-line treatments for depression due to their efficacy and favorable side-effect profile. Mood stabilizers (
B) are used for bipolar disorder, tricyclic antidepressants (
C) are less commonly used due to side effects, and atypical antipsychotics (
D) are not primary treatments for depression.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is working with a patient who will be signing a commitment to treatment statement. After teaching the patient about this statement, the nurse determines the need for additional instruction when the patient states which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A commitment to treatment statement is a collaborative agreement to engage in treatment and seek help, not a promise not to commit suicide (
A), which is unrealistic and oversimplifies the patient?s responsibility. Options B, C, and D accurately reflect components of such a statement.